Method for using directing cells for specific stem/progenitor cell activation and differentiation

ABSTRACT

A method is provided, including obtaining a population of antigen-presenting cells, enriching a population of stem/progenitor cells within a larger population of cells, activating the population of antigen-presenting cells and, following the activating, inducing at least one process selected from the group consisting of: differentiation, expansion, activation, secretion of a molecule, and expression of a marker, by exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population to the population of antigen-presenting cells. Other applications are also described.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the priority of PCT/IL2010/000558 to Porat, entitled, “Method for using directing cells for specific stem/progenitor cell activation and differentiation,” filed, Jul. 13, 2010, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/224,942 to Porat, entitled, “Method for using antigen-presenting cells and dendritic cells to direct stem/progenitor cell differentiation and activation,” filed Jul. 13, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to stem cells. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods for regulating cell activation.

BACKGROUND

Based on their presentation of antigenic epitopes and secretion of various cytokines and chemokines which initiate and/or enhance many cell types, antigen-presenting cells (APC) and dendritic cells (DC) are known for their ability to alter and direct different immunological responses and thus induce a phenomenon of B and T cell plasticity. Similarly to multi-potential progenitor cells, APC and DC can be located in different tissues such as the lymph nodes and the bone marrow (BM) or in the circulation. Likewise, DC in different stages of maturity can be found in a variety of tissues.

The following references may be of interest:

-   1. PCT Publication WO 08/140,316 to Meers -   2. US Patent Application Publication 2008/0206286 to Yu -   3. US Patent Application Publication 2008/0226612 to Treves et al -   4. US Patent Application Publication 2008/0292601 to Song -   5. US Patent Application Publication 2009/0131346 to Sorio -   6. US Patent Application Publication 2010/0143311 to Mizukami et al -   7. US Patent Application Publication 2009/0004157 to Kalinski -   8. Wallet M. A. (2005), “Immunoregulation of Dendritic Cells”,     Clinical Medicine & Research 3:166-175 -   9. Cox K. (2005) “Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) are the major     DC subset innately producing cytokines in human lymph nodes”, J.     Leukoc. Biol. 78:1142-1152 -   10. Kim R. (2006), “Functional Role of Immature Dendritic Cells in     Impaired Immunity and Solid Tumors and Their Targeted Strategies for     Provoking Tumor Immunity”, Clin. Exp. Immunol. 146:189-196 -   11. McKenna K. (2005), “Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells: linking Innate     and Adaptive Immunity”, J. Virol 79:17-27 -   12. Dzionek A., (2000), “BDCA-2, BDCA-3, and BDCA-4: Three Markers     for Distinct Subsets of Dendritic Cells in Human Peripheral     Blood”, J. Immunol. 165:6037-6046 -   13. Stem Cell Information, (2007), “The Adult Stem Cell”, The     National Institute of Health,     http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/scireport/chapter4.asp -   14. Kollet O. (2002), “Human CD34+CXCR4-sorted cells harbor     intracellular CXCR4, which can be functionally expressed and provide     NOD/SCID repopulation”, Blood 100:2778-2786 -   15. Kanamaru F. (2004), “Expression of membrane bound and soluble     receptor activator of NFkappaB ligand (RANKL) in human T cells”,     Immunol Lett. 94:23946 -   16. Badorff C. (2003), “Transdifferentiation of Blood-Derived Human     Adult Endothelial Progenitor Cells into Functionally Active     Cardiomyocytes”, Circulation 107:1024-1032 -   17. Nagasawa, T. (2008), “New niches for B cells”, Nat Immunol 9:345 -   18. Sapoznikov, A. (2008), “Perivascular clusters of dendritic cells     provide critical survival signals to B cells in bone marrow niches”,     Nat Immunol 9:388 -   19. Stier, S. (2005), “Osteopontin is a hematopoietic stem cell     niche component that negatively regulates stem cell pool size”, J     Exp Med 201:1781 -   20. Kohara, H. (2007), “Development of plasmacytoid dendritic cells     in bone marrow stromal cell niches requires CXCL12-CXCR4 chemokine     signaling”, Blood 110:4153 -   21. Cheng, P. (2007), “Regulation of dendritic-cell differentiation     by bone marrow stroma via different Notch ligands”, Blood 109:507 -   22. Dubois, B. (1998), “Critical role of IL-12 in dendritic     cell-induced differentiation of naive B lymphocytes”, J Immunol     161:2223 -   23. Mahnke, K. (2002), “Immature, but not inactive: the tolerogenic     function of immature dendritic cells”, Immunol Cell Biol 80:477 -   24. Tang, H. (2006), “Endothelial stroma programs hematopoietic stem     cells to differentiate into regulatory dendritic cells through     IL-10”. Blood 108:1189 -   25. Satthaporn, S. (2001), “Dendritic cells (I): Biological     functions”, J R Coll Surg Edinb 46:9 -   26. Romani, N. (1994), “Proliferating dendritic cell progenitors in     human blood”, J Exp Med 180:83 -   27. Zhou, L. (1996), “CD14+ blood monocytes can differentiate into     functionally mature CD83+ dendritic cells”, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA     93: 2588 -   28. Watanabe, S. (2003), “The duration of signaling through CD40     directs biological ability of dendritic cells to induce antitumor     immunity”, J Immunol 171:5828 -   29. Sozzani, S. (2007), “Dendritic cell-endothelial cell cross-talk     in angiogenesis”, Trends Immunol 28:385 -   30. Naldini, A. (2006), “Cutting edge: IL-1beta mediates the     proangiogenic activity of osteopontin-activated human monocytes”, J     Immunol 177:4267 -   31. Conejo-Garcia, J. R. (2004), “Tumor-infiltrating dendritic cell     precursors recruited by a beta-defensin contribute to vasculogenesis     under the influence of Vegf-A”, Nat Med 10:950 -   32. U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,105 (1999) to Feng Y et al. (1997), Stem     cell factor agonists. application Ser. No. 08/955,848 -   33. US Patent Application Publication 2007/0269867 (2007) to Ghosh S     K et al. (2004), Protein markers associated with bone marrow stem     cell differentiation into early progenitor dendritic cells. -   34. U.S. Pat. No. 6,479,286 (2002) to Nelson E L et al. (1999)     Methods and compositions for making dendritic cells from expanded     populations of monocytes and for activating T cells. -   35. PCT Publication WO 98/053048 to Nelson et al. -   36. U.S. Pat. No. 7,030,228 (2006) to Schmitz et al. (2000)     Antigen-binding fragments specific for dendritic cells, compositions     and methods of use thereof antigens recognized thereby and cells     obtained thereby.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Under normal conditions, antigen-presenting cells (APC) and especially dendritic cells (DC) are used for the activation, direction and alteration of the immune system response. For some applications of the present invention, methods for using APC and especially DC are used to direct activation and/or effect differentiation of tissue-derived cells (TDC). In the context of this application, in the specification and in the claims, “tissue-derived cells (TDC)” means a population containing stem/progenitor cells and other cells such as mature cells, the TDC having been derived from an original population of cells in a tissue by (a) isolating at least a first sub-population of the population from a second sub-population of the population, and (b) increasing the proportion of stem/progenitor cells in the first sub-population of cells. As described herein, this selected population of TDC is typically acted on by antigen-presenting cells, specifically dendritic cells. APC, typically dendritic cells, are examples of a directing cell population (DCP) (defined below), and are used in the activation, direction and alteration of TDC, e.g., multipotent adult stem/progenitor cells (MASPC), effector cells prior to their terminal differentiation, and embryonic stem cells. As a result, a specific population of cells (e.g., lineage specific precursor/progenitors (LSP)), soluble molecules thereof are generated which can be effective in tissue regeneration, cancer immunity, inhibition of autoimmunity disorders and chronic inflammation, enhancement of cell engraftment, and homeostasis.

By way of definition, a “directing cell population (DCP)” is a population of cells comprising antigen-presenting cells (APC) and/or dendritic cells (DC) that are cultured under specific conditions. The DCP is typically used to direct the activation and/or expansion and/or differentiation of cells.

Disclosed herein are methods to culture, enrich, and use a DCP in order to be cultured together with TDC (e.g., an MASPC-rich population, and/or subpopulations thereof). Such co-culturing of the DCP with the TDC induces the activation, and/or proliferation, and/or expansion, and/or differentiation, and/or induction of biochemical activity, etc., of the TDC as a therapeutic, diagnostic, and research tools. For some applications, the co-culturing of the DCP with the TDC induces the activation and/or proliferation, and/or expansion, and/or differentiation, and/or induction of biochemical activity, etc., of the DCP for therapeutic, diagnostic, and research tools. Typically, the product of the co-culture between the DCP and the TDC is enriched. For some applications, a subpopulation of the co-culture is enriched and/or purified at any stage of the co-culture procedure, e.g., at the end of the co-culture. Additionally, for some applications, these subpopulations may be administered to a patient and/or stored in a bank for future use.

“Expansion,” in the context of this application, in the specification and in the claims, means increasing the proportion of a given cell type with respect to other cell types, within a larger population of cells, e.g., in culture. The increase in the proportion of the given cell type with respect to other cell types, results from either (a) proliferation of the cell type or (b) death of other cell types in the larger population, (c) differentiation and de-differentiation of the cell type or any of the other cell types in the population, or (d) a combination of any of (a), (b), and/or (c).

As shown in the experimental data presented herein, TDC are a cell population that can undergo differentiation into an LSP when acted upon by the DCP. For example, a TDC of enriched MASPC is shown to differentiate into an LSP of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC). Additionally, as shown in the experimental data presented herein, TDC, e.g., containing enriched MASPC, can also undergo expansion in culture, thus yielding a population of cells with an increased proportion of MASPC, which can further differentiate into an LSP. Ultimately, for some applications, the LSP contains a population of precursor and/or mature cells of a given lineage and includes a subpopulation comprising MASPC. For other applications, the LSP contains a population of precursor and/or mature cells of a given lineage and does not include a subpopulation comprising MASPC.

One example of such an LSP that is described herein and shown in the experimental data, is a lineage-specific population which contains a population of cells which demonstrate increased cytotoxic activity toward cancer cells. TDC, including MASPC and effector cells such as T cells and/or natural killer cell, are activated by the DCP to produce a lineage-specific, anti-cancer cell progenitor population (LSP-aCCP). The LSP-aCCP contain a population of mature activated effector cells as well as a population of precursor cells that are directed to eventually differentiate into mature activated effector cells. In such a manner, the LSP-aCCP contain cells that are available for immediate anti-cancer use (LSP containing activated effect cells) as well as a sub-population of latent cells (LSP containing MASPC) which can replenish the mature activated effector cells by differentiating into the mature activated effector cells at a later stage.

There is therefore provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method, including:

obtaining a population of immature antigen-presenting cells;

enriching a population of stem/progenitor cells within a larger population of cells;

activating the population of immature antigen-presenting cells; and

following the activating, inducing at least one process selected from the group consisting of: differentiation, expansion, activation, secretion of a molecule, and expression of a marker, by exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population to the population of activated antigen-presenting cells,

wherein inducing the at least one process includes generating a lineage specific precursor/progenitor population (LSP) from the enriched stem/progenitor cell population.

For some applications, the at least one process includes inducing expression of the marker, and inducing the expression includes at least one step selected from the group consisting of: (a) increasing the expression of the marker from a state of no expression of the marker to a positive level of expression, and (b) increasing the expression of the marker from a low, positive level of expression of the marker to a higher level of expression of the marker.

For some applications, the at least one process includes inducing secretion of the molecule, and inducing the secretion includes at least one step selected from the group consisting of: (a) increasing the secretion of the molecule from a state of no secretion of the molecule to a positive level of secretion, and (b) increasing the secretion of the molecule from a low, positive level of secretion of the molecule to a higher level of secretion of the molecule.

For some applications, the step of exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population to the population of activated antigen-presenting cells is performed in a common culture medium, and wherein the method does not include adding cytokines to the common culture medium.

There is also provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention,

receiving the lineage specific precursor/progenitor population; and

administering to a patient one or more compositions selected from the group consisting of: the lineage specific precursor/progenitor population and a soluble component of the lineage specific precursor/progenitor population.

For some applications, the method further includes identifying the patient as having reduced blood flow in a portion of a body of the patient,

wherein administering includes administering the one or more compositions in response to the identifying, and

wherein administering includes increasing blood flow of the patient.

For some applications, the population of immature antigen-presenting cells includes immature dendritic cells, and obtaining the population of antigen-presenting cells includes obtaining the population of antigen-presenting cells including the immature dendritic cells, and inducing the at least one process includes inducing the at least one process using the population of activated antigen-presenting cells.

For some applications, inducing the at least one process includes inducing the expression of the marker, and inducing the expression of the marker includes increasing a proportion of cells in the LSP that have at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of: expression of CD34, expression of CD184, and co-expression of CD34 and CD184.

For some applications, inducing the expression of the marker includes increasing the proportion of cells in the LSP, that co-express CD34 and CD184, to at least 2.5%.

For some applications, increasing the proportion of cells that co-express CD34 and CD184 includes increasing the proportion to 2.5-70%.

For some applications, inducing the expression of the marker includes causing some of the cells in the LSP to co-express CD31 and CD202b, and

causing some of the cells to co-express CD31 and CD202b includes causing at least 2% of the cells in the LSP to co-express CD31 and CD202b.

For some applications, causing some of the cells in the LSP to co-express CD31 and CD202b includes causing 2-70% of the cells in the LSP to co-express CD31 and CD202b.

For some applications, generating the lineage specific precursor/progenitor population includes generating a predetermined lineage specific precursor/progenitor cell population, and inducing the at least one process includes generating a population of at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells, wherein:

at least 2.5% of the LSP cell population express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD31, CD133, CD144, CD202b, von Willebrand factor (vWF), CD102, CD105, CD106, CD109, CD114, CDw145, CD201, CD299, and CD309,

at least some of the at least 2.5% of the cells of the population co-express CD309 and CD202b,

at least some of the at least 2.5% of the cells of the population co-express CD31 and VEGFR1,

at least some of the at least 2.5% of the cells of the population uptake Ac-LDL and express Ulex lectin,

at least 2.5% of the LSP cell population express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD7, CD31, CD33, CD34, CD90, CD105, CD115, CD117, CDw123, CD124, CD157, CD164, CD172a, CD173, CD175, CD175, CD178, CD184, CD191, CD202b, CD292, and Stro-1,

at least some of the at least 2.5% of the cells of the population co-express CD31 and CD202b,

at least some of the at least 2.5% of the cells of the population express CD34 and CD184, and

the LSP cell population secretes one or more molecules selected from the group consisting of: G-CSF, SDF-1/CXCR4, IL-8, IL-10, IFN alpha (IFNα), IFN beta (IFNβ), IFN gamma (IFNγ), TGF beta (TGFβ), basic FGF (b-FGF), IL-12, IL-18 and IL-27.

For some applications, increasing the proportion of cells that co-express CD309 and CD202b includes increasing the proportion co-expressing CD309 and CD202b to 2.5-70%.

For some applications, increasing the proportion of cells that co-express CD31 and VEGFR1 includes increasing the proportion of cells co-expressing CD31 and VEGFR1 to 2.5-70%.

For some applications:

activating the population of immature antigen-presenting cells includes:

-   -   increasing, to at least 15%, a proportion of the         antigen-presenting cells in a greater population of cells that         includes the antigen-presenting cells; and     -   prior to the step of exposing the enriched population of         stem/progenitor cells to the population of antigen-presenting         cells, facilitating the activation of the immature         antigen-presenting cells by performing at least one action         selected from the group consisting of: providing activation         signals to the antigen-presenting cells, and incubating the         antigen-presenting cells for a period of 0.5 hours to 3 days,         and

immediately upon the step of exposing the enriched population of stem/progenitor cells to the population of antigen-presenting cells, the antigen-presenting cells are a sub-population of a larger population that also includes the enriched population of stem/progenitor cells, the antigen-presenting cells being 2-20% of the larger population, prior to any incubation of the larger population.

For some applications, increasing the antigen-presenting cells to the proportion of at least 15% of the greater population includes at least one action selected from the group consisting of:

(a) increasing a proportion of cells expressing CD141 to at least 5% of the greater population,

(b) increasing, to at least 5% of the greater population, expression of a marker selected from the group consisting of: CD303 and CD304, and

(c) increasing a proportion of cells expressing CD86 to at least 5% of the greater population.

For some applications, facilitating includes performing the step of facilitating subsequently to increasing the antigen-presenting cells to the proportion of at least 15% of the greater population.

For some applications, incubating includes incubating the antigen-presenting cells for a period of 0.5 hours to 22 hours.

For some applications, facilitating includes incubating the antigen-presenting cells in a medium including at least one component selected from the group consisting of: IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, IL-27, TGF beta, bFGF, and VEGF.

For some applications, facilitating includes incubating the antigen-presenting cells in a medium including at least one component selected from the group consisting of: IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, IL-27, TGF beta, bFGF, and VEGF, and inducing the at least one process includes increasing a proportion of the antigen-presenting cells expressing increased intensity of CD141 to 2.5-50% of the greater population.

For some applications, facilitating includes incubating the antigen-presenting cells in a medium including at least one component selected from the group consisting of: IL-10, TGF beta, bFGF, and VEGF, and wherein inducing the at least one process includes increasing, to at least 5% of the lineage specific precursor/progenitor population, a proportion of cells that have at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of: uptake of AC-LDL combined with expression of Ulex lectin, expression of CD31, expression of CD133, expression of CD144, expression of CD202b, expression of VEGR1, expression of von Willebrand factor (vWF), expression of CD102, expression of CD105, expression of CD106, expression of CD109, expression of CD114, expression of CDw145, expression of CD201, expression of CD299, expression of CD309, VEGFR1, co-expression of CD202b and CD31, and co-expression of CD184 and CD34.

For some applications, the method includes:

enriching a population of immune effector cells;

following the activating of the population of antigen-presenting cells, activating the effector cells by co-culturing the antigen-presenting cells and the effector cells in a co-culture; and

adding to the co-culture the enriched population of stem/progenitor cells,

wherein exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population to the population of antigen-presenting cells includes exposing the co-culture of the antigen-presenting cells and the effector cells to the enriched stem/progenitor cell population, and

wherein inducing the at least one process includes, responsively to the exposing, creating a lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population.

For some applications, creating the lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population includes creating a lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population having a percentage increase of cytotoxic activity of at least 150%, versus cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

There is also provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a method including:

receiving the lineage specific precursor/progenitor population; and

administering to a patient one or more compositions selected from the group consisting of: the lineage specific precursor/progenitor population and a soluble component of the lineage specific precursor/progenitor population.

For some applications:

creating the lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population includes creating a lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population having at least 10% of cells in the lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population which express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD86, CD3, CD8, CD4, and CD56,

at least 10% of the cells in the lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population co-express CD34 and CD184, and

at least 10% of the cells in the lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of CD86 and CD141.

For some applications, for at least eight days following the activation:

at least 10% of cells in the population express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD86, CD3, CD8, CD4, and CD56,

at least 10% of the cells in the lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population co-express CD34 and CD184, and

at least 10% of the cells in the lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of CD86 and CD141.

For some applications, obtaining the antigen-presenting cells includes obtaining a population of at least 1 million antigen-presenting cells, and at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD1c, CD1b, CD1e, CD11c, CD40, CD49d, CD53, CD68, CD74, CD80, CD83, CD85, CD86, CDw123, CD172b, CD180, CD141, CD206, CD208, CD209, CD218, CD258, CD301, CD303, and CD304.

For some applications, at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD1c, CD80, CD83, CD86, CD141, CD303, and CD304.

For some applications, exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population to the population of activated antigen-presenting cells includes, prior to inducing the at least one process, generating a heterogeneous population of cells, and:

the population of antigen-presenting cells is at least 2% of the cells in the heterogeneous population,

the population of enriched stem/progenitor cells is at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells, and

the at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD33, CD31, CD34, CD90, CD184, and CD202b.

For some applications, generating the heterogeneous population includes generating a heterogeneous population, wherein:

the at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD1c, CD86, CD141, CD303, and CD304, and

the at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells expressing the one or more markers express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD31, CD34, and CD184.

For some applications, generating the heterogeneous population includes generating a heterogeneous population, wherein:

the at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express at least one marker selected from the group consisting of: CD141, CD303, CD304, and CD86, and

the at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells expressing the one or more markers express CD34 and are CD45Dim/−.

For some applications, inducing the at least one process includes generating a population of at least 2 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells, wherein:

a first subset of the population of at least 2 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells includes at least 5% of the at least 2 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD1c, CD1b, CD1e, CD11c, CD40, CD49d, CD53, CD68, CD74, CD80, CD83, CD85, CD86, CDw123, CD172b, CD180, CD141, CD206, CD208, CD209, CD218, CD258, CD301, CD303 and CD304,

a second subset of the population of at least 2 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells includes at least 2.5% of the at least 2 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD7, CD31, CD33, CD34, CD90, CD105, CD115, CD117, CD124, CD157, CD164, CD172a, CD173, CD175, CD175, CD178, CD184, CD191, CD202b, CD292, CD309, VEGFR1, and Stro-1, and

a plurality of cells in the population of at least 2 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells secrete one or more molecules selected from the group consisting of: G-CSF, SDF-1/CXCR4, IL-8, IL-10, IFN alpha (IFNα), IFN beta (IFNβ), IFN gamma (IFNγ), TGF beta (TGFβ), basic FGF (b-FGF), IL-12, IL-18 and IL-27.

For some applications, generating the population of at least 2 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells includes generating a population in which a portion of cells of the second subset express CD309 and CD202b.

For some applications, generating the population of at least 2 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells includes generating a population in which a portion of cells of the second subset express CD31 and VEGFR1.

For some applications, generating the population of at least 2 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells includes generating a population in which a portion of cells of the second subset uptakes Ac-LDL and expresses Ulex lectin.

For some applications, generating the population of at least 2 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells includes generating a population in which:

the first subset expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD141, CD86, CD303, and CD304, and

the second subset expresses one or more markers express one or more markers selected from the group: CD34 and CD184.

For some applications, inducing the at least one process includes generating a population of at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells, wherein:

a first subset of the population of at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells includes at least 10% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD1c, CD141, CD303, CD304, and CD86,

a second subset of the population of at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells includes at least 10% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD34, CD184, CD31, and CD202b,

a third subset of the population of at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells includes at least 2.5% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses CD309 and CD202b,

at least some cells of the population of at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells include at least 5% of the at least 1 million cells, and express CD31 and VEGFR1, and

at least some cells of the population of at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells uptake Ac-LDL and express Ulex lectin.

For some applications:

obtaining the population of immature antigen-presenting cells includes:

-   -   freezing at least 100 million mononuclear cells;     -   thawing the frozen cells; and     -   obtaining the population of immature antigen-presenting cells         from the thawed cells, and

enriching the population of stem/progenitor cells includes obtaining the population of stem/progenitor cells from the thawed cells.

There is also provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a composition of matter, including a heterogeneous population of cells, the heterogeneous population of cells including:

(a) a population of at least 1 million antigen-presenting cells; and

(b) a population of enriched stem/progenitor cells,

wherein the population of antigen-presenting cells is at least 2.5% of the cells in the heterogeneous population,

wherein at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD1c, CD80, CD83, CD86, CD141, CD218, CD301, CD303, and CD304,

wherein the population of enriched stem/progenitor cells is at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells, and

wherein at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD33, CD31, CD34, CD90, CD184, and CD202b.

For some applications:

the population of antigen-presenting cells is at least 2.5-20% of the cells in the heterogeneous population,

the at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD1c, CD86, CD141, CD303, and CD304,

2.5-50% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells express CD141,

2.5-50% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells express at least one marker selected from the group consisting of: CD303 and CD304,

after activation, 5-50% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells express increased intensity of CD141, and

at least 2.5% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD31, CD34, and CD184.

For some applications:

the at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express at least one marker selected from the group consisting of: CD1c, CD141, CD303, CD304, and CD86, and

at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells express CD34 and are CD45Dim/−.

There is also provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a composition of matter, including a population of at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells,

wherein a first subset of the population includes at least 10% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD141, CD303, CD304, and CD86,

wherein a second subset of the population includes at least 10% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD34 and CD184,

wherein a third subset of the population includes at least 10% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD31, CD133, CD144, CD202b, von Willebrand factor (vWF), CD102, CD105, CD106, CD109, CD114 CDw145, CD201, CD299, and CD309,

wherein at least some cells of the population include at least 2.5% of the at least 1 million cells, and express CD309 and CD202b,

wherein at least some cells of the population include at least 5% of the at least 1 million cells, and express CD31 and VEGFR1, and

wherein at least some cells of the population uptake Ac-LDL and express Ulex lectin.

For some applications:

the at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells include at least 5 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells,

the third subset of the population expresses CD31, CD202b, CD309, and VEGFR1,

2-70% of the cells of the third subset of the population of cells uptake Ac-LDL and express Ulex lectin, and

a plurality of cells in the population secrete one or more molecules selected from the group consisting of: G-CSF, SDF-1/CXCR4, IL-8, IL-10, IFN alpha (IFNα), TGF beta (TGFβ), and basic FGF (b-FGF).

For some applications:

5-55% of the cells of the first subset of the population of cells express CD304,

2.5-70% of the cells of the second subset of the population of cells co-express CD34 and CD184,

at least some cells of the population include at least 2% of the at least 5 million cells, and express CD31 and CD202b,

2-70% of the cells of the second subset of the population of cells co-express CD31 and CD202b,

2-30% of the cells of the third subset of the population of cells co-express CD309 and CD202b, and

2-30% of the cells of the third subset of the population of cells co-express CD31 and VEGFR1.

There is also provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a composition of matter, including a population of at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells,

wherein a first subset of the population includes at least 10% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD141, CD303, CD304, and CD86, and

wherein a second subset of the population includes at least 10% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD34, CD31, CD202b and CD184.

For some applications:

the at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells include at least 5 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells,

5-55% of the cells of the first subset of the population of cells express CD304,

2.5-70% of the cells of the second subset of the population of cells co-express CD34 and CD184, and

at least 2% of the at least 5 million cells express CD31 and CD202b.

For some applications, the composition of matter is frozen.

There is also provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method including:

obtaining a population of antigen-presenting cells;

enriching a population of stem/progenitor cells within a larger population of cells;

activating the population of antigen-presenting cells; and

following the activating, inducing at least one process selected from the group consisting of: differentiation, expansion, activation, secretion of a molecule, and expression of a marker, by exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population to the population of antigen-presenting cells.

In some applications, incubating the antigen-presenting cells includes incubating the antigen-presenting cells in a medium including at least one component selected from the group consisting of: CpG OND, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, IL-27, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, Flt3 Ligand, IFN alpha (IFNα), IFN beta (IFNβ), Prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2), IL-4, TGF beta (TGFβ), and VEGF.

In some applications, inducing the at least one process includes generating a lineage specific precursor/progenitor population (LSP), and the method further includes administering to a patient one or more compositions selected from the group consisting of: the lineage specific precursor/progenitor population and soluble components of the lineage specific precursor/progenitor population.

In some applications, inducing the at least one process includes inducing differentiation of the enriched population of stem/progenitor cells and inducing expansion of the enriched stem/progenitor cell population.

In some applications, inducing the at least one process includes inducing the at least one process in at least one type of cells selected from the group consisting of: the antigen-presenting cells and the stem/progenitor cells.

In some applications, the population of antigen-presenting cells includes dendritic cells, and obtaining the population of antigen-presenting cells includes obtaining the population of antigen-presenting cells including the dendritic cells, and the antigen-presenting cells direct the at least one process.

In some applications, the method includes activating the enriched population of stem/progenitor cells during the exposing of the enriched population of stem/progenitor cells to the activated population of antigen-presenting cells.

In some applications, inducing the expression of the marker includes increasing a proportion of cells that have at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of: expression of CD34, expression of CD184, and co-expression of CD34 and CD184.

In some applications, inducing the at least one process includes generating a lineage specific precursor/progenitor (LSP) cell population, and:

at least 2.5% of the LSP cell population express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD31, CD133, CD144, CD202b, von Willebrand factor (vWF), CD102, CD105, CD106, CD109, CD114 CDw145, CD201, CD299, and CD309,

at least some of the at least 2.5% of the cells of the population express CD309 and CD202b,

at least some of the at least 2.5% of the cells of the population express CD31 and VEGFR1, and

at least some of the at least 2.5% of the cells of the population uptake Ac-LDL and expresses Ulex lectin,

at least 2.5% of the LSP cell population express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD7, CD31, CD33, CD34, CD90, CD105, CD115, CD117, CDw123, CD124, CD157, CD164, CD172a, CD173, CD175, CD175, CD178, CD184, CD191, CD202b, CD292, and Stro-1, and

the LSP cell population secretes one or more molecules selected from the group consisting of: G-CSF, SDF-1/CXCR4, IL-8, IL-10, IFN alpha (IFNα), IFN beta (IFNβ), IFN gamma (IFNγ), TGF beta (TGFβ), basic FGF (b-FGF), IL-12, IL-18 and IL-27.

In some applications,

activating the population of antigen-presenting cells includes:

-   -   separating the antigen-presenting cells from blood, and,     -   subsequently, incubating the antigen-presenting cells for a         period of 0.5 hours to 14 days prior to exposing the enriched         population of stem/progenitor cells to the population of         antigen-presenting cells,

following the separating, the antigen-presenting cells are a sub-population of a larger population, and

the method further includes increasing a proportion of the antigen-presenting cells in the larger population prior to the incubating.

In some applications, incubating includes incubating the antigen-presenting cells for a period of 0.5 hours to 3 days.

In some applications, increasing the proportion of the antigen-presenting cells includes increasing the proportion to less than 15% of the larger population.

In some applications, activating includes increasing expression of CD141 by the antigen presenting cells.

In some applications, activating includes increasing expression of CD304 by the antigen presenting cells.

In some applications, incubating the antigen-presenting cells includes incubating the antigen-presenting cells for 0.5 hours to 3 days in a medium including at least one component selected from the group consisting of: IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, FGF beta, bFGF, and VEGF.

In some applications, incubating the antigen-presenting cells includes incubating the antigen-presenting cells in a medium including at least one component selected from the group consisting of: IL-10, FGF beta, bFGF, and VEGF, and inducing the at least one process includes increasing a proportion of cells that have at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of: uptake of AC-LDL combined with expression of Ulex lectin, expression of CD31, expression of CD133, expression of CD144, expression of CD202b (Tie-2), expression of VEGR1, expression of von Willebrand factor (vWF), expression of CD102, expression of CD105, expression of CD106, expression of CD109, expression of CD114, expression of CDw145, expression of CD201, expression of CD299, and expression of CD309 (VEGFR-2; KDR), VEGFR1, co-expression of VEGFR1 and CD31, and co-expression of CD309 and CD202b.

In some applications, the population of stem/progenitor cells includes a population of multipotent adult stem/progenitor cells, and enriching the population of stem/progenitor cells includes enriching the population of multipotent adult stem/progenitor cells.

In some applications, the method includes obtaining the population of multipotent adult stem/progenitor cells from blood.

In some applications, the method includes:

enriching a population of immune effector cells;

following the activating the population of antigen-presenting cells, activating the effector cells by co-culturing the antigen-presenting cells and the effector cells in a co-culture; and

adding to the co-culture the enriched population of stem/progenitor cells, and wherein,

exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population to the population of antigen-presenting cells includes exposing the co-culture of the antigen-presenting cells and the effector cells to the enriched stem/progenitor cell population, and

inducing the at least one process includes, responsively to the exposing, creating a lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population.

In some applications, creating the lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population includes creating a lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population having a percentage increase of cytotoxic activity of between 150% and 180%.

In some applications, the method includes administering to a patient one or more compositions selected from the group consisting of: the lineage-specific population and soluble components of the lineage-specific population.

In some applications, administering the lineage-specific population to the patient includes treating cancer of the patient.

In some applications, creating the lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population includes creating a lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population having at least 10% of cells in the population which express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD86, CD3, CD8, CD4, and CD56.

In some applications, the selected process includes the activation, and the at least 5% of the cells maintain expression of the one or more markers for at least 8 days following the activation.

In some applications, obtaining the antigen-presenting cells includes obtaining a population of at least 50,000 antigen-presenting cells, and at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD1c, CD1b, CD1e, CD11c, CD40, CD49d, CD53, CD68, CD74, CD80, CD83, CD85, CD86, CDw123, CD172b, CD180, CD141, CD206, CD208, CD209, CD218, CD258, CD301, CD303, and CD304.

In some applications, exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population to the population of antigen-presenting cells includes, prior to inducing at least one process, generating a heterogeneous population of cells, and:

the population of antigen-presenting cells is at least 2.5% of the cells in the heterogeneous population,

the population of enriched stem/progenitor cells is at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells, and

at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD7, CD31, CD33, CD34, CD90, CD105, CD115, CD117, CDw123, CD124, CD157, CD164, CD172a, CD173, CD175, CD175, CD178, CD184, CD191, CD202b, CD292, and Stro-1.

In some applications, the method includes following the generating the heterogeneous population, freezing the heterogeneous population.

In some applications, generating the heterogeneous population includes generating a heterogeneous population wherein:

the at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD1c, CD86, CD141, CD303, and CD304, and

the at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells expressing the one or more markers express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD31, CD34, and CD184.

In some applications, generating the heterogeneous population includes generating a heterogeneous population wherein:

the at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express at least one marker selected from the group consisting of: CD141, CD303, CD304, and CD86, and

at least 2.5% of the population of enriched stem/progenitor cells express CD34 and CD184 or co-express CD34 and CD184.

In some applications, generating the heterogeneous population includes generating a heterogeneous population:

the at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express at least one marker selected from the group consisting of: CD141, CD303, CD304, and CD86, and

the at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells expressing the one or more markers express CD34 and are CD45Dim/−.

In some applications, inducing the at least one process includes generating a population of at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells, wherein:

a first subset of the population includes at least 5% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD1c, CD1b, CD1e, CD11c, CD40, CD49d, CD53, CD68, CD74, CD80, CD83, CD85, CD86, CDw123, CD172b, CD180, CD141, CD206, CD208, CD209, CD218, CD258, CD301, CD303 and CD304,

a second subset of the population includes at least 2.5% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD7, CD31, CD33, CD34, CD90, CD105, CD115, CD117, CDw123, CD124, CD157, CD164, CD172a, CD173, CD175, CD175, CD178, CD184, CD191, CD202b, CD292, CD309, VEGFR1, and Stro-1, and

cells in the population secrete one or more molecules selected from the group consisting of: G-CSF, SDF-1/CXCR4, IL-8, IL-10, IFN alpha (IFNα), IFN beta (IFNβ), IFN gamma (IFNγ), TGF beta (TGFβ), basic FGF (b-FGF), IL-12, IL-18 and IL-27.

In some applications, generating the population includes generating a population in which a portion of cells of the second subset express CD309 and CD202b.

In some applications, generating the population includes generating a population in which a portion of cells of the second subset express CD31 and VEGFR1.

In some applications, generating the population includes generating a population in which a portion of cells of the second subset uptakes Ac-LDL and expresses Ulex lectin.

In some applications, generating the population includes generating a population in which:

the first subset expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD141, CD86, and CD304, and

the second subset expresses one or more markers express one or more markers selected from the group: CD34 and CD184.

In some applications, the method includes following the generating the population, freezing the population.

In some applications, inducing the at least one process includes generating a population of at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells, wherein:

a first subset of the population includes at least 10% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD141, CD303, CD304, and CD86,

a second subset of the population includes at least 10% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD34 and CD184,

a third subset of the population includes at least 10% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD31, CD133, CD144, CD202b, von Willebrand factor (vWF), CD102, CD105, CD106, CD109, CD114 CDw145, CD201, CD299, and CD309,

at least some cells of the population includes at least 2.5% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses CD309 and CD202b,

at least some cells of the population includes at least 5% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses CD31 and VEGFR1, and

at least some cells of the population uptakes Ac-LDL and expresses Ulex lectin.

In some applications, the method includes following the generating the population, freezing the population.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a composition of matter, including a heterogeneous population of cells, the heterogeneous population of cells including:

(a) a population of at least 50,000 antigen-presenting cells; and

(b) a population of enriched stem/progenitor cells,

the population of antigen-presenting cells is at least 2.5% of the cells in the heterogeneous population,

at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD1c, CD1b, CD1e, CD11c, CD40, CD49d, CD53, CD68, CD74, CD80, CD83, CD85, CD86, CDw123, CD172b, CD180, CD141, CD206, CD208, CD209, CD218, CD258, CD301, CD303, and CD304,

the population of enriched stem/progenitor cells is at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells, and

at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD7, CD31, CD33, CD34, CD90, CD105, CD115, CD117, CDw123, CD124, CD157, CD164, CD172a, CD173, CD175, CD175, CD178, CD184, CD191, CD202b, CD292, and Stro-1.

In some applications, the at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD1c, CD86, CD141, CD303, and CD304, and

the at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells expressing the one or more markers express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD31, CD34, and CD184.

In some applications, the at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express at least one marker selected from the group consisting of: CD141, CD303, CD304, and CD86, and

at least 2.5% of the population of enriched stem/progenitor cells express CD34 and CD184.

In some applications, the at least 5% of the antigen-presenting cells express at least one marker selected from the group consisting of: CD141, CD303, CD304, and CD86, and

the at least 1% of the cells in the heterogeneous population of cells expressing the one or more markers express CD34 and are CD45Dim/−.

In some applications, the population of enriched stem/progenitor cells includes a population of enriched multipotent adult stem/progenitor cells.

In some applications, the composition of matter is frozen.

There is still further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a composition of matter, including a population of at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells,

a first subset of the population includes at least 5% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD1c, CD1b, CD1e, CD11c, CD40, CD49d, CD53, CD68, CD74, CD80, CD83, CD85, CD86, CDw123, CD172b, CD180, CD141, CD206, CD208, CD209, CD218, CD258, CD301, CD303 and CD304,

a second subset of the population includes at least 2.5% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD7, CD31, CD33, CD34, CD90, CD105, CD115, CD117, CDw123, CD124, CD157, CD164, CD172a, CD173, CD175, CD175, CD178, CD184, CD191, CD202b, CD292, CD309, VEGFR1, and Stro-1, and

cells in the population secrete one or more molecules selected from the group consisting of: G-CSF, SDF-1/CXCR4, IL-8, IL-10, IFN alpha (IFNα), IFN beta (IFNβ), IFN gamma (IFNγ), TGF beta (TGFβ), basic FGF (b-FGF), IL-12, IL-18 and IL-27.

In some applications, a portion of cells of the second subset express CD309 and CD202b.

In some applications, a portion of cells of the second subset express CD31 and VEGFR1.

In some applications, a portion of cells of the second subset uptakes Ac-LDL and expresses Ulex lectin.

In some applications, the first subset expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD141, CD86, and CD304, and

the second subset expresses one or more markers express one or more markers selected from the group: CD34 and CD184.

In some applications, the composition of matter is frozen.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a composition of matter, including a population of at least 1 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor cells,

a first subset of the population includes at least 10% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD141, CD303, CD304, and CD86,

a second subset of the population includes at least 10% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD34 and CD184,

a third subset of the population includes at least 10% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD31, CD133, CD144, CD202b, von Willebrand factor (vWF), CD102, CD105, CD106, CD109, CD114 CDw145, CD201, CD299, and CD309, at least some cells of the population includes at least 2.5% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses CD309 and CD202b,

at least some cells of the population includes at least 5% of the at least 1 million cells, and expresses CD31 and VEGFR1, and

at least some cells of the population uptakes Ac-LDL and expresses Ulex lectin.

In some applications, the composition of matter is frozen.

There is yet additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method including:

obtaining a population of antigen-presenting cells;

enriching a population of stem/progenitor cells from within a larger population of cells; and

generating a lineage specific precursor/progenitor (LSP) cell population, by exposing the population of antigen-presenting cells to the population of enriched stem/progenitor cells;

at least 2.5% of the LSP cell population express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD31, CD133, CD144, CD202b, von Willebrand factor (vWF), CD102, CD105, CD106, CD109, CD114 CDw145, CD201, CD299, and CD309,

at least some of the at least 2.5% of the cells of the population express CD309 and CD202b,

at least some of the at least 2.5% of the cells of the population express CD31 and VEGFR1, and

at least some of the at least 2.5% of the cells of the population uptake Ac-LDL and expresses Ulex lectin,

at least 2.5% of the LSP cell population express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD7, CD31, CD33, CD34, CD90, CD105, CD115, CD117, CDw123, CD124, CD157, CD164, CD172a, CD173, CD175, CD175, CD178, CD184, CD191, CD202b, CD292, and Stro-1, and

the LSP cell population secretes one or more molecules selected from the group consisting of: G-CSF, SDF-1/CXCR4, IL-8, IL-10, IFN alpha (IFNα), IFN beta (IFNβ), IFN gamma (IFNγ), TGF beta (TGFβ), basic FGF (b-FGF), IL-12, IL-18 and IL-27.

There is still additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method including:

obtaining a population of antigen-presenting cells;

enriching a population of stem/progenitor cells from within a larger population of cells; and

generating a lineage specific precursor/progenitor (LSP) cell population, by exposing the activated population of antigen-presenting cells to the population of enriched stem/progenitor cells;

at least 10% of the LSP cell population express one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD31, CD133, CD144, CD202b, von-Willebrand factor (vWF), CD102, CD105, CD106, CD109, CD114 CDw145, CD201, CD299, VEGFR1, and CD309, and

at least 10% of the LSP cell population uptakes Ac-LDL and express Ulex lectin.

In some applications, at least 10% of the LSP cell population uptakes Ac-LDL and expresses Ulex lectin,

a first portion of cells of the LSP cell population express CD309 and CD202b, and a second portion of cells of the LSP cell population express CD31 and VEGFR1.

There is further additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method including:

obtaining a population of antigen-presenting cells;

enriching a population of immune effector cells;

activating the effector cells by co-culturing the antigen-presenting cells and the effector cells in a co-culture;

adding to the co-culture an enriched population of stem/progenitor cells; and

creating a lineage-specific precursor/progenitor population by inducing at least one process selected from the group consisting of: differentiation, activation, expansion, secretion of a molecule, and expression of a marker, by exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population and the effector cells to the population of antigen-presenting cells.

The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-B are graphs representing flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) and of a DCP (directing cell population) obtained from the PBMC, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-B are graphs representing flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of PBMC and of the DCPs, generated from the PBMC, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-B are graphs representing flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of DCP activation, generated in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-B are graphs representing flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of PBMC and of an enriched TDC (tissue derived cells) population, generated in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a photomicrograph of an EPC (endothelial progenitor cell)-rich MASPC (multipotent adult stem/progenitor cells) population, generated in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-B are photomicrographs of co-cultured DCP and TDC, and of the resulting LSP (lineage-specific precursors), EPC-rich MASPC culture, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a graph representing flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of an LSP, EPC-rich MASPC culture, generated in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a photomicrograph showing tube formation in an LSP, EPC-rich MASPC, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A-B are graphs representing flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of an expanded population of MASPC and of an expanded population of DCP, generated in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a photomicrograph showing colonies generated by CFU (colony forming units) in an expanded population of MASPC, in accordance with some applications of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A-B are contour graphs of blood flow;

FIG. 11C is a graph showing blood flow data; and

FIGS. 12A-B are graphs representing a cytotoxic lymphocyte reaction (CTL) function analysis of LSP-aCCP (lineage specific population rich in anti-cancer cell precursors) and PBMC control group on days 4 (FIG. 12A) and 7-8 (FIG. 12B), generated in accordance with some applications of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For some applications, antigen-presenting cells (APC) and/or dendritic cells (DC) are cultured under specific conditions in order to form a directing cell population (DCP) which is used to direct the activation and/or expansion and/or differentiation of cells, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Initially, the DCP are cultured for a period of between 0.5 hours and 30 days, e.g., between 2 hours and 14 days.

In some applications, incubating the antigen-presenting cells includes incubating the antigen-presenting cells for 0.5 hours to 3 days in a medium including molecules that binds to the cell membrane and sending activation signals to the cells (such as for example cell-cell adhesion, co-stimulatory molecules (tall like receptors) and binding of specific antibodies.

Following the initial culture of the APC and/or DC in order to create the DCP, the DCP is typically then co-cultured with tissue-derived cells (TDC), e.g., multipotent adult stem/progenitor cells (MASPC) or a population of cells containing MASPC, in order to ultimately generate lineage-specific precursors/progenitors (LSP) therefrom. For some applications, DCP are co-cultured with MASPC and subsequently, other TDC cells may subsequently be added to the co-culture of the DCP and MASPC. It is to be noted that for some applications, the DCP is primed prior to co-culturing with the TDC. Priming of the DCP, for some applications, is by means of initially culturing the DCP with MASPC, following which, additional TDC may be added to the co-culture. For some applications, the DCP is co-cultured together with both MASPC and other TDC which may or may not include MASPC. For other applications, following the initial culture of the APC and/or DC in order to create the DCP, the DCP is then co-cultured with MASPC and other TDC.

For some applications, the APC and/or the DCP are initially cultured in conditioned culture medium that is generated from the culturing of stem cells, e.g., MASPC. This may be followed by co-culturing the APC and/or the DCP with stem cells, e.g., MASPC, as described herein. Alternatively, the APC and/or the DCP thus prepared are used for therapeutic, diagnostic, or research purposes following the culturing in conditioned medium, without co-culturing with stem cells.

For some applications, the stem cells, e.g., MASPC, are cultured in conditioned culture medium that is generated from the culturing of APC and/or DCP. This may be followed by co-culturing APC and/or DCP with the stem cells, e.g., MASPC, that have been cultured in the conditioned culture medium. Alternatively, the stem cells are used for therapeutic, diagnostic, or research purposes following the culturing in conditioned medium, without co-culturing with stem cells.

For some applications, the DCP is co-cultured with TDC in order to derive the MASPC.

In either application, during the co-culture of the DCP with the TDC, the DCP induces TDC activation (e.g., proliferation, differentiation, induction of enzymatic activity and induction of biochemical activity, e.g., the secretion of specific molecules and/or the expression of specific markers, e.g., molecular, intracellular and/or membrane markers, etc). It is noted that “inducing” a process, as used herein, includes bringing about an increase in the process or initiating the process. Typically, this activation is used for therapeutic, diagnostic, and research tool. For some applications, the culture medium that is derived from the co-culturing of the DCP with the TDC is administered to a patient (e.g., by injection) for therapeutic purposes.

In some applications, the method includes deriving the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC, from at least one source selected from the group consisting of: bone, lymph node, spleen, blood vessel, mucosa, CNS tissue, PNS tissue, cardiac tissue, liver tissue, uterus tissue, adipose tissue, lymphatic tissue, pancreatic tissue, kidney tissue, lung tissue, retinal tissue, embryonic tissue, fetal tissue, umbilical cord blood, umbilical cord tissue, placental tissue, neonatal tissue, adult tissue, bone marrow, mobilized blood, peripheral blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, skin cells, and plant tissue.

Typically, the DCP and the TDC, e.g., MASPC, are autologous with respect to the patient. For other applications, the DCP and TDC, e.g., MASPC, are allogeneic with respect to the patient. For yet other applications, the DCP and TDC, e.g., MASPC, are xenogeneic with respect to the patient.

In some applications, the method includes deriving the DCP and TDC, e.g., MASPC, from at least one source selected from the group consisting of: fresh tissue and frozen tissue.

For some applications, the co-culturing of the DCP with the MASPC induces the generation of therapeutic toleragenic cells that can subsequently be implanted in an allogeneic or an autologous acceptor. These toleragenic cells facilitate enhanced engraftment of autologous and/or allogeneic tissues and/or cells. For some applications, the toleragenic cells are generated by culturing the DCP for a period of between 0.5 days and 120 days.

For some applications, the co-culturing of the DCP with the MASPC induces the generation of therapeutic toleragenic cells that can subsequently be implanted in an allogeneic or an autologous acceptor. These toleragenic cells facilitate enhanced engraftment of autologous and/or allogeneic tissues and/or cells. For some applications, the toleragenic cells are generated by culturing the DCP for a period of between 0.5 hours and 48 hours.

For some applications, in order to create these toleragenic cells, the DCP is primed by co-culturing DCP with autologous autoimmune antigens and/or antigens derived from tissues affected by chronic inflammation. During the culture, the DCP is primed when the DCP cells engulf the autoimmune antigens and thereafter present these antigens on the surface of each cell of the DCP. The primed DCP is then co-cultured with TDC, e.g., a population of cells including mature immune cells and MASPC, in order to induce activation thereof. During the co-culture, the DCP presents the autoimmune antigens to mature immune cells of the TDC and/or to the MASPC, in order to generate an LSP, e.g., toleragenic cells used to treat autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammation. The mature immune cells in the LSP are thereby activated by the primed DCP to function immediately as the toleragenic cells. Additionally, the MASPC in the LSP are only primed by the primed DCP to differentiate at a later stage into the very same mature immune cells which function as the toleragenic cells. Thus, the LSP comprises a population of cells which comprise (1) a first subpopulation of cells that are immediately active (i.e., the mature immune toleragenic cells of the LSP in this particular application of the present invention), and (2) a second subpopulation of cells comprising precursors/progenitors which differentiate at a later stage into the cells that are active (i.e., the MASPC).

For some applications, cancer antigens and/or cancer cells are used to prime, or activate, the DCP. The activated DCP is then co-cultured with the TDC and MASPC and presents antigens to the TDC. This co-culture induces the generation of therapeutic numbers of reactive autologous and/or allogeneic anti-tumor cells, as is described hereinbelow and shown in experimental data.

Typically, the DCP induces the expansion, or enrichment, of the cells co-cultured therewith. Additionally, the DCP directs the TDC, e.g., MASPC and other mature cells of the TDC, toward generating an LSP during 2-3 culturing steps:

-   1. First, the APC and/or DC are cultured under specific conditions     in order to create the DCP. These conditions include culturing the     APC and/or DC under various environmental conditions, culture in     media containing certain factors, culture in conditioned media,     co-culture with target tissues, with extracted fractions thereof,     and/or with desired cytokine mixtures. Such culturing typically     primes and/or activates the DCP; -   2. Following the generation, priming, and/or activation of the DCP,     one or a combination of the following two steps can be conducted:     -   (1) The MASPC is co-cultured together with the activated DCP and         activated thereby in response to (a) specific environmental         conditions, (b) cell-cell interactions with the primed DCP,         and (c) additional activation factors, e.g., growth factors and         cytokines. Typically, the activation is expressed by         proliferation, differentiation, and/or induction of biochemical         activity, etc., of the MASPC; and/or     -   (2) Other TDC (e.g., cells that are not MASPC, such as mature         cells of a particular cell type) are added to the culture and         are activated thereby as described hereinabove with respect to         the activation of the MASPC.

For some applications, steps (1) and (2) may occur sequentially or concurrently. For applications in which steps (1) and (2) are applied, it is to be noted that additional TDC and/or MASPC may be added to the co-culture following step (2) or concurrently therewith. Ultimately, following steps (1) and (2), a population is generated comprising an activated MASPC-rich TDC population. It is to be noted that for some applications, only step (1) is performed without performing step (2).

As a result of the above-listed culturing steps, therapeutic amounts of autologous and/or allogeneic LSP enriched cells and/or soluble molecules thereof can thus be used for tissue regeneration, rejuvenation, and for anti-cancer treatments. In addition, the combinations of cells described herein can be used as diagnostic as well as research tools in order to explore the yet unknown functions of dendritic cells beyond their traditionally-attributed function as regulators of the immune system.

In the context of the present patent application and in the claims, a directing cell population (DCP) is a population of at least 50,000 cells which can be characterized as expressing one or more of the cellular markers: CD1c, CD1b, CD1e, CD11c, CD40, CD49d, CD53, CD68, CD74, CD80, CD83, CD85, CD86, CDw123, CD141, CD172b, CD180, CD206, CD208, CD209, CD218, CD258, CD301, CD303 and CD304.

Typically, following co-culturing of an MASPC-rich TDC population by the activated DCP:

(1) at least 5%, e.g., at least 10%, of the resulting DCP-directed MASPC-rich TDC population expresses:

-   -   (a) one or more of the following co-stimulatory markers: CD1c,         CD1b, CD1e, CD11c, CD40, CD49d, CD53, CD68, CD74, CD80, CD83,         CD85, CD86, CDw123, CD172b, CD180, CD141, CD206, CD208, CD209,         CD218, CD258, CD301, CD303 and CD304,     -   and (b) one or more of the following stem/progenitor cell         markers CD7, CD31, CD33, CD34, CD90, CD105, CD115, CD117,         CDw123, CD124, CD157, CD164, CD172a, CD173, CD175, CD175, CD178,         CD184, CD191, CD202b, CD292, and Stro-1; and

(2) the resulting DCP-directed MASPC-rich TDC population secretes one or more of the following specific molecules: G-CSF, SDF-1/CXCR4, IL-8, and/or IL-10, IFN alpha (IFNα), IFN beta (IFNβ), IFN gamma (IFNγ), TGF beta (TGFβ), basic FGF (b-FGF), IL-12, IL-18, and IL-27.

A DCP is typically, but not necessarily, generated from a hematopoietic source which is typically derived from peripheral blood, e.g., peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

Methods described in this patent application disclose the use of APC and DC, taken from the source tissue described hereinabove, to selectively direct stem/progenitor cells into enriched LSP cell populations. The methods described herein include sequential culturing steps in which the APC are first activated to generate DCP that specifically direct expansion and/or differentiation of TDC including but not limited to MASPC at the second and/or third step/s to generate MASPC and/or LSP enriched populations suitable for use as therapeutic and/or diagnostic and/or research tools.

It is to be understood that whereas some applications described herein relate specifically to TDC derived from blood, the scope of the present invention includes techniques for use with stem/progenitor cells derived from a variety of body tissues, mutatis mutandis.

For some applications, the method includes:

(1) collecting a sample of peripheral blood from a donor and/or a patient, isolating and/or enriching mononuclear cells from the sample of peripheral blood, separating populations of: (a) APC cells rich in DC, (b) TDC comprising mature cells of a particular cell type (e.g., effector cells such as monocytes, T cells and/or B cells and/or NK cells), and (c) TDC comprising MASPC from the mononuclear cell fraction, and

(2) growing these cells under conditions that will cause the mesenchymal and/or hematopoietic progenitor cells and/or precursors of effector cells present in the mixture of cells (specifically in the MASPC) to differentiate and expand into LSP enriched populations, using techniques described herein such as activating the cell populations with DCP and subsequently culturing the DCP-activated cells under specific culture conditions. Since the number of DCP and LSP in the circulation is typically below 0.1%, the above-listed procedure is conducted ex-vivo in order to sufficiently expand the DCP and LSP cell populations. Following this expansion stage, the cells may be implanted into a patient.

The process of expansion and/or differentiation into specific LSP can be used as a diagnostic tool enabling the detection of abnormalities or pathological conditions of a patient. Pathology of a patient may be indicated if the procedures of expansion and/or differentiation performed on extracted blood of a patient (a) do not produce an LSP, while the same procedures would produce an LSP from cells extracted from a healthy volunteer, or (b) do not produce an LSP that is like an LSP produced from cells extracted from a healthy volunteer.

Furthermore, the process of directed expansion and/or differentiation into specific LSP by the DCP can be used as a research tool to uncover, define, and/or alter mechanisms responsible for specific activation and/or differentiation and/or maturation stages of a cell population taken from a patient.

The following represent methods for use with the extracted blood from the patient. It is to be noted that the following methods may be used independently or in combination:

(1) Isolation of dendritic cells from the blood in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for positive selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD1a, CD141, CD304, CD303, CDw123, CD172b, CD180, CD141, CD206, CD208, CD209, CD218, CD258, CD301, CD80 and CD86) to a desired cell population;

(2) Enrichment of dendritic cells in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for negative selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD20, CD3, CD14, CD56, CD97 and CD235) to an undesired cell population;

(3) Enrichment of dendritic cells in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for positive selection of cells based on biochemical characteristics of the cells including but not limited to production of specific cytokines (such as IFN, VEGF, IL-10 and IL-12);

(4) Isolation of immature dendritic cells in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for positive selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD141, CD303, CD301, CD86 and CD304) to a desired cell population;

(5) Enrichment of immature dendritic cells in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for negative selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD20, CD3, CD14, CD56, CD97 and CD235) to an undesired cell population;

(6) Enrichment of immature dendritic cells in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for positive selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on biochemical characteristics of the cells, such as cell adhesion to a plastic surface;

(7) Isolation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for positive selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD303 and CD304) to a desired cell population;

(8) Enrichment of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for negative selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD20, CD3, CD14, CD56, CD97 and CD235) to an undesired cell population;

(9) Isolation of myeloid dendritic cells based on published and/or commercial methodologies for positive selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD1c and CD141) to a desired cell population;

(10) Enrichment of myeloid dendritic cells in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for negative selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD20, CD3, CD14, CD56, CD97 and CD235) to an undesired cell population;

(11) Isolation of antigen-presenting cells based on published and/or commercial methodologies for positive selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD1a-e and CD13) to a desired cell population; and/or

(12) Enrichment of antigen-presenting cells based on published and/or commercial methodologies for negative selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD20, CD3, CD14, CD56, CD97 and CD235) to an undesired cell population.

It is to be noted that mature dendritic cells may also be isolated and applied to a given co-culture.

The above-listed methods may be used independently of or in combination with the following methods for use with extracted blood, including:

(1) Isolation of multipotent adult stem/progenitor cells (MASPC) from TDC (herein, MASPC-rich TDC) in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for positive selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD184 and CD254) to a desired cell population;

(2) Isolation of MASPC-rich TDC in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for positive selection of cells based on biochemical characteristics of the cells including but not limited to the capacity to efflux lipophilic dyes and fluorescent staining of ALDH;

(3) Enrichment of MASPC-rich TDC in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for negative selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD38, CD20, CD3, CD14, CD56, CD97 and CD235) to an undesired cell population;

(4) Isolation of mesenchymal cells in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for positive selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD105, Stro-1 and CD271) to a desired cell population;

(5) Enrichment of mesenchymal cells in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for negative selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD38, CD20, CD3, CD14, CD56, CD97 and CD235) to an undesired cell population;

(6) Isolation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSCs) in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for positive selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD7, CD31, CD34, CD115, CD117, CDw123, CD124, CD133, CD164, CD175, CD175, CD184, CD191, and CD202b) to a desired cell population; and/or

(7) Enrichment of HSCs in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for negative selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD38, CD20, CD3, CD14, CD56, CD97 and CD235) to an undesired cell population.

The above-listed methods may be used independently of or in combination with the following methods for use with extracted blood, including:

(1) Isolation of desired tissue derived cells (TDC) such as T Cells and/or B cells and/or NK cells in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for positive selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies (such as CD3, CD8, CD20 and CD56) to a desired cell population;

(2) Enrichment of the desired TDC such as T Cells and/or B cells and/or NK cells in accordance with published and/or commercial methodologies for negative selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific antibodies to an undesired cell population;

(3) Isolation of effector cells based on published and/or commercial methodologies for positive selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific epitopes (such as antibodies directed against a desired cancer epitope) to a desired cell population; and/or

(4) Enrichment of effector cells based on published and/or commercial methodologies for negative selection of cells including but not limited to selection based on binding of specific epitopes (such as antibodies specific to cells expressing autoimmune epitopes like for example cells expressing anti-MBP activity) to an undesired cell population.

For some applications, performing the isolation and/or enrichment of APC and/or DC and/or subpopulations thereof includes but is not limited to culturing the DCP cells for a period lasting between 0.5 hours and 14 days, e.g., between 2 hours and 7 days or between 3 days and 14 days.

For some applications, performing the isolation and/or enrichment of APC and/or DC and/or subpopulations thereof includes culturing the DCP cells under tolerance-enhancing conditions, including but not limited to culturing in the presence of IL-10, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin and/or TGFβ, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2), and/or IL-4.

For some applications, extracted blood fractions, which include by way of illustration and not limitation DCP and MASPC, can be co-cultured with target tissue or components thereof in order to generate LSP.

For some applications, conditioned medium from cultures of extracted blood fractions, which include by way of illustration and not limitation DCP, can be co-cultured with target tissue or components thereof in order to generate LSP. It is to be understood that the mentioned conditioned medium can be used immediately (i.e., fresh) or after preservation (e.g., by freezing).

For some applications, conditioned medium from cultures of extracted blood fractions, which include by way of illustration and not limitation DCP and MASPC, can be co-cultured with target tissue or components thereof in order to generate LSP. It is to be understood that the mentioned conditioned medium can be used immediately (i.e., fresh) or after preservation (e.g., by freezing).

For some applications, applying the isolation and/or enrichment of the MASPC and/or subpopulations thereof, includes expanding the MASPC percentage and/or number in a resulting population by co-culturing the MASPC with the DCP cells for a period lasting between 2 hours and 7 days.

For some applications, applying the isolation and/or enrichment of the MASPC and subpopulations thereof, includes expanding the MASPC percentage and/or number in a resulting population by co-culturing the MASPC with the DCP cells for a period lasting between 3 days and 120 days.

For some applications, applying the isolation and/or enrichment of MASPC and/or subpopulations thereof, includes expanding the MASPC percentage and/or number in a resulting population by co-culturing the MASPC with the DCP cells for a period lasting between 2 hours and 120 days.

For some applications, TDC, e.g., MASPC, are co-cultured with DCP cells for a period lasting between 2 hours and 7 days in order to generate, and increase the proportion and number of a given resultant LSP.

For some applications, TDC, e.g., MASPC, are co-cultured with DCP cells for a period lasting between 3 hours and 120 days in order to generate, and increase the proportion and number of a given resultant LSP.

For some applications, the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC, are cultured under conditions, including but not limited to culturing in the presence of less than 5% serum, e.g., 0% serum, for 2-60 days, followed by culturing of cells in the presence of greater than or equal to 5% serum between 1 and 60 days.

In some applications, the DCP and/or the TDC e.g., MASPC, are cultured under conditions, including but not limited to culturing the cells in the presence of greater than or equal to 5% serum between 1 and 60 days, followed by culturing the cells in the presence of less than 5% serum between 2-60 days.

For some applications, the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC, are cultured under conditions, including but not limited to culturing in the presence of hypoxic conditions for 2-96 hours before and/or after culturing of cells in the presence of non-hypoxic conditions between 1 and 60 days.

For some applications, the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC, are cultured under conditions, including but not limited to culturing in the presence of hypothermic conditions (e.g., less than or equal to 26 degrees C.) for 2-96 hours, before and/or after culturing of cells in the presence of non-hypothermic conditions between 1 and 60 days.

For some applications, the DCP, and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC, are cultured under conditions, including but not limited to culturing in the presence of hyperthermic conditions (e.g., greater than or equal to 41 degrees C.) 2-96 hours before and/or after culturing of cells in the presence of non-hyperthermic conditions between 1 and 60 days.

For some applications, the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC, are cultured under conditions, including but not limited to culturing in the presence of less than 3% CO2 between 2-48 hours before and/or after culturing of cells in the presence of greater than or equal to 5% CO2 between 1 and 14 days.

For some applications, the DCP and/or the TDC e.g., MASPC, are cultured under maturation-inducing conditions, including but not limited to culturing in the presence of growth-enhancing, activation, differentiation, and/or directing molecules. Typically, such molecules are presented to the cells as soluble and/or aggregated molecules in the culture medium. Alternatively or additionally, these molecules are presented to the cells as immobilized molecules including but not limited to molecules that are immobilized on carrier particles (e.g., biodegradable matrices and tissue extracts) and/or molecules bound to the surface of the culture dish.

For some applications, the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC, are cultured under maturation-inducing conditions, including but not limited to culturing the cells in the presence of one or more of the following activation molecules: CpG OND, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, IL-27, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, Flt3 Ligand, IFNα, IFNβ, IFNγ Prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2), IL-4, b-FGF, and/or TGFβ.

For some applications, the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC are cultured on a surface including by way of illustration and not limitation one or more of the following growth-enhancing factors: collagen, fibronectin, albumin, plasma and/or serum.

In some applications the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC are cultured under specific conditions which mimic conditions present in tissue in-vivo. For example, the cells are cultured in a medium comprising one or more of the following tissue-derived factors by way of illustration and not limitation: antibodies, cytokines, growth factors, tissue-derived extra cellular matrix, and/or other molecules, such as: anti-CD34, anti-Tie-2, anti-CD133, anti-CD117, LIF, EPO, IGF, b-FGF, M-CSF, GM-CSF, TGF alpha, TGF beta, VEGF, BHA, BDNF, NGF, NT3, NT4/5, GDNF, S-100, CNTF, EGF, NGF3, CFN, ADMIF, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, estrogen, cortisone, dexamethasone, or any other molecule from the steroid family, prolactin, an adrenocorticoid, glutamate, serotonin, acetylcholine, NO, retinoic acid (RA), heparin, insulin, forskolin, a statin, or an anti-diabetic drug (e.g., a thiazolidinedione such as rosiglitazone), NO, MCDB-201, sodium selenite, linoleic acid, ascorbic acid, transferrin, 5-azacytidine, PDGF, VEGF, cardiotrophin, and/or thrombin.

It is to be appreciated that the particular stimulation factors described herein are by way of illustration and not limitation, and the scope of the present invention includes the use of other stimulation factors. As appropriate, these factors may be utilized in a concentration of between about 10 pg/ml and about 100 ug (microgram)/ml (or molar equivalents).

For some applications, the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC are cultured under one or more of the following maturation-inducing conditions, including but not limited to culturing in the presence of one or more antibodies, e.g., anti-CD4, anti-CD19, anti-CD38, anti-CD220, anti-CD221, and/or anti-CD222.

For some applications, the method for culturing the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC includes culturing the cells with one or more of the following specific activation-inducing components which are extracted from a target tissue including but not limited to: cellular fractions, specific extracted membrane elements, specific extracted receptors, and/or specific extracted antigenic molecules.

For some applications, the DCP and/or the TDC e.g., MASPC are co-cultured together with a target tissue under specific activation conditions. For some applications, the target tissue is in direct contact with the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC. Alternatively, the target tissue is separated from the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC by a semi-permeable membrane.

A target tissue, in the context of the present patent application and in the claims, is typically, but not necessarily, a tissue representing a desired final state of the progenitor cells in the culture. Alternatively or additionally, a target tissue is a tissue obtained from damaged tissue (e.g., from burned skin tissue, cancerous infected tissue, tissue infected by autoimmune disease, tissue infected by chronic inflammation, etc.). In such some applications, the cells co-cultured with the damaged tissue are directed via the DCP to differentiate into healthy cells of the tissue so as to heal the damaged tissue following administration.

As appropriate, the target tissue may be autologous, syngeneic, allogeneic, or xenogeneic with respect to the source tissue from which the cultured DCP, TDC, and/or MASPC were produced. Alternatively or additionally, the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC are cultured in a conditioned medium made using the target tissue which is autologous, syngeneic, allogeneic, or xenogeneic with respect to the source tissue from which the cultured DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC were produced.

For some applications, the target tissue is co-cultured with the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC in the conditioned medium. It is noted that the source of the target tissue may also be tissue from embryonic tissue, fetal tissue, umbilical cord blood, umbilical cord tissue, placental tissue, neonatal tissue, adult tissues such as bone marrow, mobilized blood, peripheral blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, lymph node, spleen, liver, uterus, fat tissue, skin cells, pancreas, kidney, lung, retina, CNS, peripheral nervous system, mucosa, cardiac tissue and plant tissue, a cadaver, and/or may be lyophilized, fresh, or preserved.

For some applications, following stimulation by the DCP, the resulting DCP-directed MASPC (i.e., the LSP) express co-stimulatory molecules such as CD11c, CD40, CD80 and CD86 and secrete specific molecules such as G-CSF, SDF-1/CXCR4, IL-8, IL-10.

For some applications, following co-culturing and activation of TDC, e.g., MASPC, with stimulated DCP, the resultant LSP is tested to verify that it has differentiated and/or expanded into a desired form. Characterization of differentiated cells is performed according to the cells' phenotypical, genotypical and physiological features. In accordance with some applications of the present invention, cells are characterized by assessing the functional/physiological activity thereof, in addition to or instead of evaluating the presence or absence of certain cellular markers. The inventor hypothesizes that evaluating functional/physiological activity of LSP cells increases the likelihood that the product obtained and designated for in-vivo use will perform as expected.

For some applications, the LSP and/or soluble molecules thereof are used as a therapeutic cell product (e.g., for cancer therapy, for enhancement of allogeneic tissue engraftment, for tissue and or tissue-function regeneration, for tissue engineering, for tissue replacement, for treatment of autoimmune, allergy, chronic inflammation and/or other immunological disorders), as a research tool (e.g., for research of signal transduction, or for screening of growth factors), and/or as a diagnostic tool.

When the LSP are used as a therapeutic cell product, they are typically administered to a patient. Once administered, the progenitor cells mature into a given desired cell type (e.g., endothelial cells, retinal cells, etc.). For some applications, a therapeutic cell product is administered to an allogeneic patient other than from the human from whom the TDC were obtained.

For some applications, the LSP are assessed for one or more of the following physiological characteristics including but not limited to: enzymatic reactions, secretion of factors (e.g., cytokines), migration capability, induction of migration of stem cells, and/or generation of cell colonies.

For some applications, the LSP are transfected with a gene and are then administered to a patient.

In some applications, the method includes identifying the LSP as being suitable for therapeutic use in response to an assessment that the LSP includes at least 5 million specific LSP cells e.g., 5 million cells.

In some applications, the method includes identifying the LSP as being suitable for therapeutic use in response to an assessment that at least 2.0% of cells of the LSP demonstrate a feature selected from the group consisting of: a desired morphology, a desired cellular marker, a desired cellular component, a desired enzyme, a desired receptor, a desired genotypic feature, and a desired physiological feature.

It is to be noted that the indications described hereinabove are only examples of the therapeutic uses of a LSP, comprising transplantation of LSP (such as EPC-rich LSP or a LSP-aCCP) to a vicinity of tissue or a space of a subject selected from the group consisting of: tissue of a peripheral nerve of the subject, tissue of a central nervous system nerve of the subject, an optic nerve of the subject, choroid tissue of the subject, retinal tissue of the subject, sub-retinal space of the subject, corneal tissue of a subject, kidney tissue of the subject, pancreatic tissue of the subject, lung and alveolar tissue of the subject, tissue of a damaged bone of the subject, tissue of a fractured bone of the subject, inflamed tissue of the subject, infected tissue of the subject, contused tissue of the subject, damaged, ulcerated or wounded tissue of a skin of, brain tissue of the subject, tissue of a limb of the subject, tissue of a skin graft, and/or tissue of a reattached severed limb of the subject.

In some applications, the cultured cells may be used as a diagnostic tool. For some applications, a product of any given stage in the processes described herein is used as a diagnostic tool.

Pathology of a patient may be indicated if an in-vitro procedure performed on extracted blood of the patient does not produce a DCP, while the same procedure would produce a DCP from cells extracted from a healthy volunteer.

Alternatively or additionally, a pathology of a patient may be indicated if an in-vitro stimulation procedure performed on an autologous DCP and/or co-culture of DCP and TDC does not produce a desired LSP, when the same procedure would produce the desired number of a desired LSP from DCP and/or co-culture of DCP and TDC of a healthy volunteer.

Alternatively or additionally, pathology of a patient may be indicated if one or more in-vitro protocols used to assess a DCP do not yield the same results as a DCP originated from a healthy volunteer.

Further alternatively or additionally, pathology of a patient may be indicated if one or more in vitro protocols used to assess a LSP do not yield the same results as a LSP originated from a healthy volunteer.

Yet further alternatively or additionally, a pathology of a patient may be indicated if one or more protocols used to assess a LSP following implantation in a patient do not perform as expected (i.e., does not perform as an LSP would if implanted in a healthy animal or human volunteer).

For some applications, the cultured cells are used as research tools. In such applications, the mammalian cell donor may be human or non-human, as appropriate.

In some applications, stimulating the DCP and the TDC, e.g., MASPC, includes directing the DCP, TDC, and/or MASPC to differentiate into a pre-designated, desired class of LSP.

For some applications, an effort is made to minimize the time elapsed from collection of cells from the cell donor until the LSP are used (e.g., for administration into a patient). Alternatively, cells are preserved at one or more points in the process. For example, the DCP and/or the TDC, e.g., MASPC may be frozen prior to the stimulation thereof that generates LSP. In another example, the DCP and/or TDC and/or MASPC are stimulated in order to generate desired LSP, and the LSP are then frozen. In either of these cases, the frozen cells may be stored and/or transported, for subsequent thawing and use.

By way of illustration and not limitation, it is noted that certain applications are suitable for large-scale commercialization, including freezing and transport, such as (a) generation of stores of DCP, TDC and/or MASPC, and/or soluble molecules thereof (b) generation of stores of LSP, for possible later use. Other applications that use autologous and/or allogeneic cell administration (such as acute post-stroke damage, spinal cord injury, tissue regeneration, and tissue rejuvenation) may benefit from the availability of stored cells. “Transport,” in this context, means transport to a remote site, e.g., a site greater than 10 km or 100 km away from a site where the DCP and/or TDC and/or MASPC and/or the LSP were first created.

One example of such an LSP that is described herein and shown in the experimental data, is a lineage-specific population which contains a population of cells which demonstrate increased cytotoxic activity toward cancer cells. Tissue-derived cells (TDC), including MASPC and effector cells such as T cells and/or natural killer cell, are activated by the DCP to produce a lineage-specific, anti-cancer cell progenitor population (LSP-aCCP). The LSP-aCCP contains a population of mature activated effector cells as well as a population of precursor cells that are directed to eventually differentiate into mature activated effector cells. In such a manner, the LSP-aCCP contains cells that are available for immediate anti-cancer use as well as a sub-population of latent cells which can replenish the mature activated effector cells by differentiating into the mature activated effector cells at a later stage. The LSP-aCCP may be produced, treated, and/or administered to a patient, using any one of the techniques described herein.

Another example of such an LSP that is described herein and shown in the experimental data, is a lineage-specific population which contains a population of cells which include endothelial progenitors/precursors (EPC). Tissue-derived cells (TDC), including MASPC are activated by the DCP to produce an EPC-rich LSP. The EPC-rich LSP contains a population of EPCs as well as a population of cells that are directed to eventually differentiate into EPCs (i.e., additional MASPC that have not yet differentiated). In such a manner, the EPC-rich LSP contains cells that are available immediately as EPCs as well as a sub-population of latent cells which can replenish the EPCs by differentiating into EPCs cells at a later stage (i.e., MASPC). Therefore, the LSP that is created comprises an EPC-rich MASPC population.

Methods Used for Some Applications of the Present Invention

A series of protocols are described hereinbelow, which may be used separately or in combination, as appropriate, in accordance with applications of the present invention. It is to be appreciated that numerical values are provided by way of illustration and not limitation. Typically, but not necessarily, each value shown is an example selected from a range of values that is within 20% of the value shown. Similarly, although certain steps are described with a high level of specificity, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other steps may be performed, mutatis mutandis.

-   1. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     generation of a single-cell suspension of tissue derived cells (TDC)     is carried out using one or more of the following protocols:

Example 1.1 Extraction of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC)

Receive blood bag and sterilize it with 70% alcohol.

Load blood cells onto a Ficoll gradient.

Spin the tubes for 20 minutes at 1050 g at room temperature (RT), with no brake.

Collect most of the plasma from the upper layer.

Collect the white blood cell fraction from every tube.

Transfer the collected cells to a new 50 ml tube, adjust volume to 30 ml per tube using PBS.

Spin tubes for 15 minutes at 580 g, RT, and discard supernatant.

Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

Re-suspend in culture medium comprising, for example, X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™.

Example 1.2 Extraction of Cells from Umbilical Cord

Take 10 cm umbilical cord.

Wash thoroughly with sterile PBS.

Identify the big vein of the cord, and close one end of the vein using clamps.

Wash twice with 30 ml sterile PBS.

Fill vein with 0.15% collagenase (about 5 ml of 0.15% collagenase solution).

Close the second end of the vein using clamps.

Incubate at 37 degrees C. for 15 min.

Wash outer side of the cord with 70% ethanol.

Untie the clamps from one end and collect cell suspension.

Centrifuge for 10 min at 580 g, 21 degrees C.

Re-suspend in culture medium comprising, for example, X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™, 10% autologous serum, 5 IU/ml heparin, and one or more growth factors.

Example 1.3 Extraction of Cells from Bone Marrow

Obtain bone marrow aspiration from surgical room.

Suspend 1:4 in sterile PBS.

Load cells onto a Ficoll gradient.

Spin the tubes for 20 minutes at 1050 g at room temperature (RT), with no brake.

Collect most of the upper layer.

Collect cell from the interphase fraction.

Transfer the collected cells to a new 50 ml tube, adjust volume to 30 ml per tube using PBS.

Spin tubes for 15 minutes at 580 g, RT, and discard supernatant.

Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

Re-suspend in culture medium comprising, for example, X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™, 10% autologous serum, 5 IU/ml heparin, and one or more growth factors.

Pass suspension through a 200 um (micrometer) mesh.

-   2. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     isolation of desired cells is carried out using one or more of the     following protocols:

Example 2.1 Isolation of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells

Isolation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells using a positive selection commercial kit (such as “CD34 MultiSort Kit” by Miltenyi Biotec. 130-056-701; http://www.miltenyibiotec.com/download/datasheets/84/DS130-056-701.pdf or alternative).

Example 2.2 Enrichment of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells

Isolation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells using a negative selection commercial kit (such as “Lineage Cell Depletion Kit human” by Miltenyi Biotec. 130-092-211; http://www.miltenyibiotec.com/download/datasheets/724/DS130-092-211.pdf or alternative).

Example 2.3 Enrichment of Non-Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells

Isolation of non-hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells using positive selection commercial antibodies such as CD105, Stro-1 and CD271 (“CD105 Microbeads human” by Miltenyi Biotec. 130-051-201; http://www.miltenyibiotec.com/download/datasheets/65/DS130-051-201.pdf or alternative).

Example 2.4 Isolation of Stem and Progenitor Cells

Isolation of stem and progenitor cells using a positive selection based on magnetic beads with a panel of antibodies including CD34, CD184, and CD254. Isolation is performed using published procedures for negative selection of cell populations.

Prepare a solution containing phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.2, 0.5% bovine serum albumin (BSA), and 2 mM EDTA. Keep buffer cold (2-8 degrees C.).

Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer; assess viable cells using trypan blue.

Spin cell suspension 300 g 10 minutes, RT. Pipette off supernatant completely.

Re-suspend cell pellet in 300 ul (microliter) buffer.

Add 100 ul (microliter) FcR blocker.

Add magnetic beads tagged antibodies against CD34, CD184, and CD254.

Incubate 15 minutes at 4-8 degrees C.

Wash cells by adding 10 ml buffer and spin at 300 g 10 minutes, RT Pipette off supernatant completely.

Re-suspend cell pellet in 500 ul (microliter) buffer.

Load cells on separation tube/column.

Pipette off the non bound cell fraction.

Detach separation tube/column from the magnetic field

Wash cells by adding 10 ml buffer and spin at 300 g 10 minutes, RT Pipette off supernatant completely.

Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

Re-suspend cell pellet in medium.

Cells are ready for use.

Example 2.5 Isolation of Effector Cells

Isolation of CD8-positive, TCR-negative cells using a procedure of negative and positive selection based on magnetic beads. Depletion of TCR-positive cells is followed by isolation of CD8 cells. Isolation is done using published procedures for negative and positive selection of cell populations, in accordance with the following protocol (shown by way of illustration and not limitation).

Protocol:

a. Prepare a solution containing phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.2, 0.5% bovine serum albumin (BSA), and 2 mM EDTA. Keep buffer cold (2-8 degrees C.).

b. Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

c. Spin cell suspension 300 g 10 minutes, RT. Pipette off supernatant completely.

d. Re-suspend cell pellet in 300 ul (microliter) buffer.

e. Add 100 ul (microliter) FcR blocker.

f. Add magnetic beads tagged antibodies against TCR alpha, TCR beta, TCR gamma, and TCR delta.

g. Incubate 15 minutes at 4-8 degrees C.

h. Wash cells by adding 10 ml buffer and spin at 300 g 10 minutes, RT Pipette off supernatant completely.

i. Re-suspend cell pellet in 500 ul (microliter) buffer.

j. Load cells on separation tube/column.

k. Collect the non bound cell fraction.

l. Wash cells by adding 10 ml buffer and spin at 300 g 10 minutes, RT Pipette off supernatant completely.

m. Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

n. Spin cell suspension 300 g 10 minutes, RT. Pipette off supernatant completely.

o. Re-suspend cell pellet in 300 ul (microliter) buffer.

p. Add 100 ul (microliter) FcR blocker.

q. Add magnetic beads tagged antibodies against CD8.

r. Incubate 15 minutes at 4-8 degrees C.

s. Wash cells by adding 10 ml buffer and spin at 300 g 10 minutes, RT Pipette off supernatant completely.

t. Re-suspend cell pellet in 500 ul (microliter) buffer.

u. Load cells on separation tube/column.

v. Pipette off the non bound cell fraction.

w. Detach separation tube/column from the magnetic field.

x. Wash cells by adding 10 ml buffer and spin at 300 g 10 minutes, RT Pipette off supernatant completely.

y. Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

z. Re-suspend cell pellet in medium.

aa. Cells are ready for use.

Example 2.6 Isolation of Stem and Progenitor Cells

Isolation of stem and progenitor cells using a negative selection based on magnetic beads with a panel of antibodies including CD8, CD56, and CD20. Isolation is performed using published procedures for negative selection of cell populations, in accordance with the following protocol (shown by way of illustration and not limitation).

Protocol:

a. Prepare a solution containing phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.2, 0.5% bovine serum albumin (BSA), and 2 mM EDTA. Keep buffer cold (2-8 degrees C.).

b. Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

c. Spin cell suspension 300 g 10 minutes, RT. Pipette off supernatant completely.

d. Re-suspend cell pellet in 300 ul (microliter) buffer.

e. Add 100 ul (microliter) FcR blocker.

f. Add magnetic beads tagged with specific antibodies against the desired marker.

g. Incubate 15 minutes at 4-8 degrees C.

h. Wash cells by adding 10 ml buffer and spin at 300 g 10 minutes, RT Pipette off supernatant completely.

i. Re-suspend cell pellet in 500 ul (microliter) buffer.

j. Load cells on separation tube/column.

k. Collect the non bound cell fraction.

l. Wash cells by adding 10 ml buffer and spin at 300 g 10 minutes, RT Pipette off supernatant completely.

m. Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

n. Re-suspend cell pellet in medium.

o. Cells are ready for use.

For this particular example, the desired markers against which the antibodies are applied in step f, are CD20, CD8, and CD56.

-   3. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     isolation and/or enrichment of antigen-presenting cells (APC) and/or     dendritic cells (DC) is carried out using one or more of the     following protocols:

Example 3.1 Isolation of Immature DC

Isolation of immature DC based on BCDA-3 (CD141) and BDCA-4 (CD304) using a commercial kit (such as “Blood Dendritic Cell Isolation Kit human”; Miltenyi Biotec Cat. no. 130-091-379; http://www.miltenyibiotec.com/download/datasheets/295/DS130-091-379.pdf or alternative).

Example 3.2 Enrichment of DC

Enrichment of DC based on depletion of non-DC cells by using magnetic beads with a panel of antibodies including CD20, CD3, CD14, CD56, CD97 and CD235. Enrichment is performed using published procedures for negative selection of cell populations, in accordance with the protocol listed in Example 2.6.

For this particular example, the desired markers against which the antibodies are applied in step f, are CD20, CD3, CD14, CD56, CD97 and CD235.uuu

Example 3.3 Enrichment of APC and DC

Enrichment of DC based on adhesion to plastic surface

Spin down cell suspension 300 g 10 min, RT. Pipette off supernatant completely.

Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

Re-suspend cell pellet to concentration of 2-20 million/ml in PBS (or serum free medium).

Float plastic surface of a Petri dish with 5 ml suspended cells.

Incubate for 2 hours at 37 degrees C.

Aspirate out the non-adherent cells and pipette off supernatant completely.

Add 5 ml cold PBS and harvest adherent cells by gentle scraping.

Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

Spin down cell suspension 300 g 10 minutes, RT. Pipette off supernatant completely.

Re-suspend cell pellet in medium.

Cells are ready for use.

Example 3.4 Isolation of Immature DC

Enrichment of DC based on positive selection of DC cells by using magnetic beads with at least one of the following antibodies: CD1a, CD1c, CD11c, CD141, CD304, CD303, CDw123, CD172b, CD180, CD141, CD206, CD208, CD209, CD218, CD258, CD301, CD80, and CD86. Isolation is performed using published procedures for positive selection of cell populations, in accordance with the following protocol (shown by way of illustration and not limitation).

Protocol:

a. Prepare a solution containing phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.2, 0.5% bovine serum albumin (BSA), and 2 mM EDTA. Keep buffer cold (2-8 degrees C.).

b. Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

c. Spin cell suspension 300 g 10 minutes, RT. Pipette off supernatant completely.

d. Re-suspend cell pellet in 300 ul (microliter) buffer.

e. Add 100 ul (microliter) FcR blocker.

f. Add magnetic beads tagged with specific antibodies against the desired marker.

g. Incubate 15 minutes at 4-8 degrees C.

h. Wash cells by adding 10 ml buffer and spin at 300 g 10 minutes, RT Pipette off supernatant completely.

i. Re-suspend cell pellet in 500 ul (microliter) buffer.

j. Load cells on separation tube/column.

k. Collect the non-bound (negative selection) cell fraction.

l. Collect positive selection cells: Remove column from the separator and place it the DC tube.

m. Quickly add 5 ml medium (such as for example, X-VIVO15+IL-10), flash all cells from the column using the siring plunger.

n. Wash cells by adding 10 ml buffer and spin at 300 g 10 minutes, RT Pipette off supernatant completely.

o. Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

p. Re-suspend cell pellet in medium.

q. Cells are ready for use.

For this particular example, the desired markers against which the antibodies are applied in step f, are CD20, CD3, CD14, CD56, CD97 and CD235.

Example 3.5 Isolation of Immature Plasmacytoid DC

Isolation of DC using a commercial kit (such as “Plasmacytoid dendritic isolation kit human” by Miltenyi Biotec. 130-092-207; http://www.miltenyibiotec.com/download/datasheets/619/DS130-092-207.pdf or alternative).

Example 3.6 Isolation of Immature Myeloid DC

Isolation of immature myeloid DC using a commercial kit (such as “CD1c (BDCA-1)+Dendritic Cell Isolation Kit human” by Miltenyi Biotec. 130-090-506; http://www.miltenyibiotec.com/download/datasheets/150/DS130-090-506.pdf or alternative).

-   4. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     coating of the tissue culture surface is carried out using one or     more of the following protocols:

Example 4.1 Coating Petri-Dish with 25 ug/ml Fibronectin

Prepare up to seven days before, or on day of cell preparation.

Prepare 50 ml of 25 ug/ml fibronectin solution in PBS.

Fill every dish with 0.5-2.5 ml fibronectin 25 ug/ml.

Incubate at 37 degrees C. for at least 30 min.

Collect fibronectin solution.

Wash Petri dish twice in PBS.

Dry the Petri dish.

Keep dry flasks at room temperature.

Dried flasks can be saved for one week at room temperature (RT).

Example 4.2 Coating T75 flasks with 20 ng per ml IL-3

Prepare 20 ml of 20 ng per ml IL-3 solution in PBS.

Fill every flask with 2-5 ml IL-3 solution.

Incubate at 37 degrees C. for 0.5 hours.

Collect the solution.

Wash flask twice in 10 ml PBS.

Keep dry flasks at room temperature until use.

Example 4.3 Coating Petri Dishes with IL-3 20 ng per ml and IGF 20 ng per ml

Prepare 20 ml of 20 ng per ml IL-3 and 20 ng per ml IGF solution in PBS.

Fill every petri dish with 0.5-2.5 ml IL-3 and IGF solution.

Incubate at 37 degrees C. for 0.5 hours.

Collect the solution.

Wash flask twice in 10 ml PBS.

Keep dry flasks at room temperature until use.

-   5. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     serum preparation is carried out using the following protocol:

Serum can be obtained directly or prepared from plasma.

Example 5.1 Preparation of Serum From Human Plasma

Take 100 ml of undiluted blood.

Spin at 1100 g (2500 rpm) for 10 min.

Transfer the upper layer (plasma) to a new 50 ml tube.

Add 25-75 ul (microliter) 0.8-0.24 M CaCl₂-2H₂O for every 1 ml plasma.

Incubate for 0.5-3 hours at 37 degrees C.

Spin coagulated plasma 5 minutes at 2500 g.

Collect the serum in a new tube, avoiding clotting.

Aliquot collected serum and save at −20 degrees C. until use.

-   6. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     medium preparation is carried out using one or more of the following     protocols:

Medium should typically contain 1-20% autologous serum and/or 1-20% conditioned medium.

Example 6.1 Medium Additives for Generation, Activation, and Expansion of Multipotent Adult Stem/Progenitor Cells MASPC

Medium can contain one or more additives, such as LIF, EPO, TPO, IGF, Insulin, IL-10, IL-3, IL-4, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, Flt3-L, b-FGF, M-CSF, GM-CSF, TGF beta, TNF alpha, VEGF, estrogen, progesterone, prostaglandin, cortisone, cortisol, dexamethasone, or any other molecule from the steroid family, prolactin, an adrenocorticoid hormone, ACTH, glutamate, Ckit-L, CpG ODN, NO, Heparin, insulin, IFN alpha, IFN beta, or any other immunoregulatory agent, PDGF, thrombin, and/or Rosiglitazone in various concentrations, typically ranging from about 100 pg/ml to about 100 ug/ml (or molar equivalents).

Example 6.2 Medium Additives for Generation of Lineage Specific Precursor/Progenitors (LSP)

Medium can contain one or more additives, such as LIF, EPO, IGF, b-FGF, M-CSF, GM-CSF, TGF alpha (TGFα), TGF beta (TGFβ), VEGF, BHA, BDNF, NGF, EGF, NT3, NT4/5, GDNF, 5-100, CNTF, NGF3, CFN, ADMIF, estrogen, progesterone, prostaglandin, cortisone, cortisol, dexamethasone, or any other molecule from the steroid family, prolactin, an adrenocorticoid hormone, ACTH, glutamate, serotonin, acetylcholine, NO, retinoic acid (RA) or any other vitamin D derivative, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, Heparin, insulin, forskolin, Simvastatin, MCDB-201, MCT-165, glatiramer acetate, IFN alpha, IFN beta or any other immunoregulatory agent sodium selenite, linoleic acid, ascorbic acid, transferrin, 5-azacytidine, PDGF, VEGF, cardiotrophin, and thrombinor Rosiglitazone in various concentrations, typically ranging from about 10 pg/ml to about 100 ug/ml (or molar equivalents).

Typically, but not necessarily, medium should be used within 10 days of its preparation date.

Example 6.3 Growth Medium for Enhancement of DCP

Serum-free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™)

5-25 IU/ml Heparin

2.5-25 ng/ml Insulin

2.5-50 ng/ml IL-10

5-20 ng/ml IL-3

10-100 ng/ml IGF

5-50 ng/ml b-FGF

For some of the experiments described herein, media were prepared using combinations of two or more of the components listed in this example.

Example 6.4 Growth Medium for Enhancement of DCP

Serum-free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™)

1-10% autologous serum

5-25 IU/ml Heparin

2.5-50 ng/ml IL-10

100-1000 IU/ml IL-4

50-250 ng/ml GM-CSF

0.5-20 ng/ml VEGF

2.5-50 ng/ml b-FGF

For some of the experiments described herein, media were prepared using combinations of two or more of the components listed in this example.

Example 6.5 Growth Medium for Enhancement of DCP

Serum-free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™)

1-10% autologous serum

5-25 IU/ml Heparin

100-1000 IU/ml IL-4

50-250 ng/ml GM-CSF

10-100 ng/ml TGF beta

10-100 ng/ml TNF alpha

2-20 ng/ml VEGF

5-50 ng/ml b-FGF

For some of the experiments described herein, media were prepared using combinations of two or more of the components listed in this example.

Example 6.6 Growth Medium for Enhancement of DCP

Serum-free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™)

1-10% autologous serum

5-25 IU/ml Heparin

100-1000 IU/ml IL-4

250-1000 ng/ml Alpha-1 Antitrypsin,

10-100 ng/ml TGF beta

10-100 ng/ml TNF alpha

For some of the experiments described herein, media were prepared using combinations of two or more of the components listed in this example.

Example 6.7 Growth Medium for Enhancement of MASPC

Serum-free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™)

1-10% autologous serum

5 IU/ml Heparin

50-250 ng/ml IL-10

50-250 ng/ml Insulin

10-100 ng/ml IGF

10-100 ng/ml Flt3-L

5-50 ng/ml b-FGF

For some of the experiments described herein, media were prepared using combinations of two or more of the components listed in this example.

Example 6.8 Growth Medium for Enhancement of MASPC

Serum-free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™)

5-20% autologous serum

5-25 IU/ml Heparin

50-250 ng/ml IL-10

50-250 IU/ml IL-4

250-1000 ng/ml Insulin

10-100 ng/ml IGF

10-100 ng/ml TNF alpha

For some of the experiments described herein, media were prepared using combinations of two or more of the components listed in this example.

Example 6.9 Growth Medium for Enhancement of LSP-EPC

Serum-free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™)

5-20% autologous serum

5-25 IU/ml Heparin

50-250 ng/ml IL-10

50-250 IU/ml IL-4

50-250 ng/ml Insulin

10-100 ng/ml IGF

10-100 ng/ml b-FGF

2-20 ng/ml VEGF

For some of the experiments described herein, media were prepared using combinations of two or more of the components listed in this example.

Example 6.10 Growth Medium for Enhancement of LSP-Tolerance Enhancing Cell Precursors (TECP)

Serum-free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™)

5-20% autologous serum

5-25 IU/ml Heparin

10-100 ng/ml TGF beta

50-250 ng/ml IL-10

10-100 ng/ml b-FGF

2-20 ng/ml VEGF

For some of the experiments described herein, media were prepared using combinations of two or more of the components listed in this example.

Example 6.11 Growth Medium for Enhancement of LSP—Anti Cancer Cell Precursors (aCCP)

Serum-free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™)

5-20% autologous serum

5-25 IU/ml Heparin

50-250 IU/ml IL-4

10-100 ng/ml b-FGF

2-20 ng/ml VEGF

5-50 ug/ml SCP-1 (or alternative Tumor associated antigens)

For some of the experiments described herein, media were prepared using combinations of two or more of the components listed in this example.

Example 6.12 Growth Medium for Enhancement of LSP—Anti Cancer Cell Precursors (aCCP)

Serum-free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™)

1-20% autologous serum

5-25 IU/ml Heparin

0.5-50 ng/ml IL-12

2.5-50 ng/ml IL-18

5-100 ng/ml IL-27

5-50 ug/ml SCP-1 (or alternative Tumor associated antigens)

For some of the experiments described herein, media were prepared using combinations of two or more of the components listed in this example.

Example 6.13 Growth Medium for Enhancement of LSP-Engraftment enhancing cell precursors (ECP)

Serum-free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™)

5-20% autologous serum

5-25 IU/ml Heparin

10-250 ng/ml IL-10

10-100 ng/ml TGF beta

2-20 ng/ml b-FGF

For some of the experiments described herein, media were prepared using combinations of two or more of the components listed in this example.

Example 6.14 Growth Medium for Enhancement of Neuronal Cell Precursors (NCP)

Serum-free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15™ and Biotarget-1™)

10% autologous serum

5-25 IU/ml Heparin

20 ng/ml b-FGF

50 ng/ml NGF

25 ng/ml BDNF

10-250 ng/ml IL-10

10-100 ng/ml TGF beta

10-100 ng/ml IGF

1-20 ug/ml insulin

For some of the experiments described herein, media were prepared using combinations of two or more of the components listed in this example.

Example 6.15 Growth Medium for Enhancement of Muscle Cell Precursors (MCP)

Serum-free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15™)

10% autologous serum

20 ng/ml b-FGF

20 ng/ml IFN beta

5-25 IU/ml heparin.

10% MCDB-201

1-4% H₂O₂

2 ug/ml Insulin

2-20 ug/ml Transferrin

10-50 ng/ml Sodium Selenite

1-50 nM Dexamethasone

0.4-10 ug/ml Linoleic acid

0.1 mM Ascorbic Acid

For some of the experiments described herein, media were prepared using combinations of two or more of the components listed in this example.

-   7. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     conditioned medium preparation is carried out using the following     procedure:

Example 7.1 Preparation of 100 ml Enriched Growth Medium Containing 1-20% Autologous Conditioned Medium

Thaw 10 ml conditioned medium in an incubator.

When thawed, add it to culture medium using pipette.

-   8. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     culturing of cells to produce a DCP and/or activated MASPC is     carried out using one or more of the following procedures:

Example 8.1 Incubation of DCP

Incubate immature APC and/or DC at concentration of 0.5-10 million per ml for 2-24 hours at 37 degrees C., 5% CO2.

Collect all conditioned medium into tubes.

Spin at 300 g for 10 min, at room temperature.

Preserve the conditioned medium in new sterile containers.

Example 8.2 Incubation of Cells Under Hypoxic Conditions

For some applications, increased expansion and/or activation may be obtained by exposure of the cell culture to oxygen starvation, e.g., 0.1-5% or 5-15% oxygen (hypoxia), for 2-12 hours or 12-96 hours. This is typically done one or more times, at different points during cell culturing.

Incubate immature cells at concentration of 1-10 million per ml in an oxygen-controlled incubator.

Set the oxygen pressure at 0.1%, and maintain it at this level for 48 hours.

Remove the cells from the incubator and examine the culture for viability using trypan blue.

Set the oxygen pressure of the incubator at 20%.

Re-insert the cells into the incubator and continue incubation for the rest of the period. This procedure can be repeated, for example, during the culture period and/or within 24, 48, or 72 hours before termination of the culture.

Example 8.3 Incubation of DCP Under Hypoxic Conditions

Incubate immature APC and DC at concentration of 0.5-10 million cells per ml for 4-10 days in an oxygen-controlled incubator.

On days 1, 4, and 8 apply hypoxic condition by setting the oxygen pressure at 0.1%, and maintain it at this level for 24 hours.

Remove the cells from the incubator and examine the culture for viability using trypan blue.

Set the oxygen pressure of the incubator at 20%.

Re-insert the cells into the incubator and continue incubation for the rest of the period.

Example 8.4 Harvesting of adherent, and/or detached, and/or floating cells

For some applications, increased expansion and differentiation of the cells may be achieved by re-seeding collected cells on new pre-coated dishes in culture medium.

Collect all conditioned medium and floating cells in tubes.

Spin at 300 g for 10 min, at room temperature.

Preserve the conditioned medium in new sterile containers.

Add the cells to all other collected cells from the culture dish.

Carefully wash the surface of tissue culture dishes by pipetting with cold PBS to detach adherent cells.

Collect the washed cells and add them to the tubes.

Add 5 ml of cold PBS.

Detach remaining adherent cells using gentle movements with cell scraper.

Collect the detached cells and add them to the tubes.

Optionally, add 5 ml EDTA to each flask and incubate at 37 degrees C. for 5 min.

Collect the detached cells and add them to the tubes. Spin tubes for 5 minutes at 450 g, RT.

Completely discard the supernatant.

Re-suspend the pellets in fresh medium.

Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

Continue culturing the cells, and perform all other activities (e.g., medium refreshment, visual inspection, and/or flow cytometry), as appropriate, as described herein.

This procedure can be performed weekly during the culture period and/or within 24, 48, or 72 hours before termination of the culture.

Example 8.5 Co-Culture of DCP and Stem/Progenitor Cells with Multipotent Stem/Progenitor Cells (MASPC) in Order to Generate Activated MASPC

For most applications, increased expansion and differentiation of MASPC may be achieved by co-culturing DCP and stem/progenitor cells as described herein below:

Count the harvested DCP cells and isolated stem/progenitor cells possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

Mix DCP and MASPC at ratios typically ranging from 1:5 to 1:50, for example, add 1 million DCP cells to 10 million isolated MASPC.

Incubate mixed cell population cells at concentration of 1.5-10 million cells per ml.

Continue growing and/or harvesting as appropriate, in accordance with procedures described herein.

Collect conditioned medium into 0.5 ml, 5 ml, 15 ml tubes or 50 ml tubes.

Spin collected conditioned medium at 450 g for 10 min, at room temperature.

Preserve the conditioned medium in new sterile containers.

Example 8.6 Co-Culture of Activated MASPC and TDC to Generate LSP

In accordance with some applications of the present invention, culturing of cells to produce a LSP is carried out using one or more of the following procedures:

Mix single cell suspension of TDC prepared in accordance with procedures described herein with MASPC at ratios typically ranging from 1:2 to 1:50, for example, add 1 million MASPC cells to 5 million TDC.

Continue growing and/or harvesting as appropriate, in accordance with procedures described herein.

-   9. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     extraction of tissue pieces for co-culture is carried out using one     or more of the following procedures:

Example 9.1 Extraction of Tissue Pieces for Co-Culture

Dissection of autologous blood vessels (other non-human or human tissues may also be used):

Anesthetize the leg (or other area) from which the blood vessel will be sampled, using anesthetic reagents.

Using sterile scissors, cut the skin and expose the inner dermis.

Using a second set of sterile scissors, cut the dermis and expose the blood vessels.

Cut small pieces, 0.2-1 cm long, from the blood vessels, and place them in a container pre-filled with 50 ml cold culture growth medium (such as X-vivo 15).

Using forceps and scissors, clean tissue sections.

Using forceps and scalpel, cut each blood vessel along its length, and expose the inner layer of endothelial cells.

Using forceps and scalpel, cut small pieces of up to 0.1 cm^2 from the tissue.

It is to be understood that whereas this technique is in accordance with some applications of the present invention, the scope of the present invention includes extracting a blood vessel from the patient as well. For example, an incision may be made over the saphenous vein, in order to facilitate dissection of a distal 1 cm portion of the vein. Tributary veins thereto are tied and transected. Distal and proximal ends of the 1 cm portion of the saphenous vein are tied, and the vein is harvested.

Use the dissected tissue for direct and/or indirect co-culturing with cells and/or to generate conditioned medium.

Example 9.2 Antigen/Epitope Retrieval from Paraffin Embedded Target Tissue

Antigen/Epitope retrieval from paraffin embedded target tissue is performed using published or commercial methods (such as described in http://www.abcam.com/ps/pdf/protocols/ihc_p.pdf or alternative).

Example 9.3 Generation of Conditioned Medium

Lay dissected pieces in culture containers, for example in Petri dish, or 50 ml tubes.

Optionally, fill with cell culture medium containing 0.1-3 ug/ml or 3-100 ug/ml apoptotic reagent (such as valinomycin, etoposide or Staurosporine), until all pieces are covered.

Refresh culture medium every 2-4 days.

Collect this medium into 0.5 ml, 5 ml, 15 ml tubes or 50 ml tubes.

Spin collected conditioned medium at 450 g for 10 min, at room temperature.

Collect conditioned medium in new sterile containers.

Continue growing and/or harvesting as appropriate, in accordance with procedures described herein.

Example 9.4 Generation of Conditioned Medium

Conditioned medium is prepared as part of the culture step (e.g., culture of cells from a list of DCP, TDC, MASPC or co-culturing thereof).

At any step during and at the end of culture period, conditioned medium is collected.

Collect this medium into 15 ml tubes or 50 ml tubes.

Spin collected conditioned medium at 450 g for 10 min, at room temperature.

Collect conditioned medium in new sterile containers.

-   10. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     co-culturing of tissue pieces or conditioned medium with DCP to     specifically activate the DCP is carried out using one or more of     the following protocols:

Example 10.1 Direct Co-Culturing of Tissue Pieces with DCP in Petri Dish

Lay dissected pieces in culture containers, for example in Petri dish.

Optionally, fill with cell culture medium containing 0.1-3 ug/ml or 3-100 ug/ml apoptotic reagent (such as valinomycin, etoposide or Staurosporine), until all pieces are covered.

Spin suspension of harvested DCP for 15 minutes at 450 g, 21 degrees C., pipette off supernatant.

Gently, mix cell pellet and re-suspend cells.

Re-suspend pellet to 0.5-10 million cells per ml.

Fill Petri dish with 3 ml enriched medium, and add the DCP suspension.

Incubate at 37 degrees C., 5% CO2 for 2-24 hours.

Collect culture medium containing floating, activated DCP, cells in tubes.

Carefully wash culture dish surface by pipetting with cold PBS to detach adherent cells.

Collect washed cells into the tubes.

Spin tubes for 5 minutes at 450 g, room temperature.

Re-suspend the pellets in culture medium.

Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

Continue growing and/or harvesting as appropriate, in accordance with procedures described herein.

Example 10.2 Direct Co-Culturing of Tissue Pieces with DCP and MASPC in Petri Dish

Lay dissected pieces in culture containers, for example in Petri dish.

Optionally, fill with cell culture medium containing 0.1-3 ug/ml or 3-100 ug/ml apoptotic reagent (such as valinomycin, etoposide or Staurosporine), until all pieces are covered.

Spin suspension of harvested DCP for 15 minutes at 450 g, 21 degrees C., pipette off supernatant.

Gently, mix cell pellet and re-suspend cells.

Re-suspend pellet to 0.5-10 million cells per ml.

Fill Petri dish with 3 ml enriched medium, and add the DCP suspension.

Incubate at 37 degrees C., 5% CO2 for 2-48 hours.

Collect culture medium containing floating, activated DCP, cells in tubes.

Carefully wash culture dish surface by pipetting with cold PBS to detach adherent cells.

Collect washed cells into the tubes.

Spin tubes for 5 minutes at 450 g, room temperature.

Re-suspend the pellets in fresh culture medium without apoptotic agents.

Add MASPC to the medium.

Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

Add cells at concentration of 0.5-10 million cells per ml.

Continue growing and/or harvesting as appropriate, in accordance with procedures described herein.

Example 10.3 Culturing of Cells in the Presence of Conditioned Medium Derived from a Blood Vessel Culture

Spin cells for 15 minutes at 500 g, 21 degrees C.

Discard the supernatant.

Gently mix cell pellet and re-suspend cells to 5-50 million/ml in autologous medium containing 1-20% autologous serum and/or 1-20% conditioned medium.

Seed cells at concentration of 1-10 million cells per ml.

Incubate flasks at 37 degrees C., 5% CO2.

After first three days of culture, non-adherent cells can be removed from the culture.

Example 10.4 Direct Co-Culturing of Autologous Dissected Blood Vessel and MASPC Cells

Lay dissected tissue pieces in culture dishes.

Add MASPC and TDC to the culture.

Every 2-4 days, conditioned medium can be collected and preserved in accordance with procedures described herein.

Refresh culture medium with appropriate culture medium prepared in accordance with procedures described herein.

Using forceps, take out tissue pieces after 2-4 days of co-culture.

Continue growing and harvesting as appropriate, in accordance with procedures described herein.

-   11. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     refreshing of the medium in ongoing growing cultures is carried out     using the following protocol:

Refreshing of the medium in ongoing growing cultures should be done every 2-4 days.

Example 11.1 Refreshing of Growth Medium in Cultures

Collect medium containing non-adherent cells in 0.5 ml, 5 ml, 50 ml tubes.

Fill every culture dish with fresh growth medium enriched with conditioned medium. Typically, for a T75 flask, fill 10 ml fresh growth medium.

Spin tubes for 10 minutes at 450 g, RT; pipette off supernatant completely.

Gently mix cell pellet and re-suspend cells in 10 ml fresh growth medium enriched with condition medium.

Return cell suspension to the culture dish.

-   12. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     harvesting of the cellular product is carried out using the     following protocol:

Example 12.1 Harvesting of LSP

Collect culture medium containing floating cells in tubes.

Carefully wash flask surface by pipetting with cold PBS to detach adherent cells.

Collect washed cells into the tubes.

Add 5 ml of cold PBS.

Detach remaining adherent cells using gentle movements with cell scraper.

Collect the detached cells and add them to the tubes.

Optionally, add 5 ml EDTA to each flask and incubate at 37 degrees C. for 5 minutes.

Collect the detached cells and add them to the tubes

Spin tubes for 5 minutes at 450 g, room temperature.

Re-suspend the pellets in 2-5 ml PBS.

Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

-   13. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     cell preservation is carried out using one or more of the following     protocols:

Cellular product can be kept in preservation medium or frozen in freezing buffer until use for transplantation into a patient and/or for diagnostics and/or for research. For some applications, the cell products are frozen in buffy coat.

Example 13.1 Cryopreservation of Cells (DC and or MASPC and/or LSP)

Prepare a serum-free freezing buffer containing 10% DMSO, such as Serum-Free Cell Freezing Medium for the cryopreservation of mammalian cells (05-065-1, Biological Industries, Israel) or alternative.

Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

Do not preserve cells if the viability is less than 70%.

Suspend cellular product in freezing buffer and freeze in −80° C. or in liquid nitrogen.

Example 13.2 Cryopreservation of Cells (DC and or MASPC and/or LSP)

Prepare freezing buffer containing 90% human autologous serum and 10% DMSO.

Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

Do not preserve cells if the viability is less than 70%.

Suspend cellular product in freezing buffer and freeze in −80° C. or in liquid nitrogen.

Example 13.3 Short-Period Preservation of Cellular Product

Prepare preservation medium including growth medium containing 1-20% autologous serum, with few or no other additives.

Count suspended cells, possibly in hemocytometer, assess viable cells using trypan blue.

Do not preserve cells if the viability is less than 70%.

Maintain preservation medium with cellular product at 2-12 degrees C.

-   14. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     conditioned medium collection and preservation is carried out using     the following protocol:

Conditioned medium can be kept until use for growth medium preparation or for therapeutic application.

Conditioned medium should be collected under sterile conditions.

Spin collected conditioned medium for 10 min at 450 g, 21 degrees C.

Collect supernatant in new sterile containers.

Filter supernatant through a 22 um (micrometer) membrane.

Aliquot conditioned medium to 0.5-10 ml sterile tubes and/or 50 ml sterile tubes, pre-marked with donor details.

Keep at (−20)-(−80) degrees C. until use.

-   15. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     FACS staining is carried out using the following protocol:

Cell staining protocol for FACS analysis can be done using common protocols such as “FACS staining protocols” I and II (http://users.path.ox.ac.uk/˜scobbold/tig/facsprot.html)

Example 15.1 Staining of Endothelial LSP Enriched Population

FACS staining protocol with antibodies against:

Tube No. Staining Aim of staining 1. Cells Un-stained control 2. CD45-FITC (IgG1) Single staining for PMT 3. CD45-PE (IgG1) and compensation settings 4. CD45-APC (IgG1) 5. mIgG1-FITC Isotype control mIgG1-PE mIgG1-APC 6. CD184 (CXCR4)-FITC (IgG1) Specific staining CD144-PE (IgG2a) CD34-APC (IgG1) 7. Ulex lectin-FITC Specific staining Ac-LDL-Dil 8. CD31-FITC (IgG1) Specific staining CD202b-PE (IgG1) 9. CD141-FITC (IgG1) Specific staining CD304-PE (IgG1) 10. CD8-FITC (IgG1) Specific staining CD56-PE (IgG1) 11. CD31-FITC (IgG1) VEGFR1-PE (IgG1) 12. CD309-FITC (IgG1) CD202b-PE (IgG1) 13. CD220-FITC (IgG1) Specific staining CD221-PE (IgG1)

-   16. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     immunohistochemistry staining (IHC) is carried out using the     following protocol:

Cell staining protocol for IHC and/or immunoflouresence analysis can be done using common protocols such as “Immunofluorescence Double Staining Protocol—Parallel Approach” (http://www.ihcworld.com/_protocols/general_IHC/immunofl_double_parallel.htm)

Example 16.1 IHC Staining Protocol for Endothelial LSP

Slide No. Staining Aim of staining 1. mIgG1-FITC Isotype control 2. mIgG1-PE Isotype control 3. CD144-FITC Specific Staining 4. CXCR4-PE Specific Staining 5. Ulex-Lectin-FITC Specific Staining Ac-LDL-Dil

-   17. In accordance with some applications of the present invention, a     tube formation assay is carried out using the following protocol:

Tube formation was tested using the ECM625 (Chemicon) in vitro angiogenesis assay kit.

Angiogenic pattern and vascular tube formation was numerically scored as described by Porat Y. et al. 2006 (Br J. Haematol. 2006; 135:703-714).

-   18. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     secretion of cytokines from harvested cells is assessed using the     following starvation assay protocol:

Culture 0.5-1 million cells per ml overnight in 24 well plates in serum-free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15).

Collect starvation assay supernatant (SAS) and spin at 450 g for 5 minutes.

Transfer supernatant to an eppendorf tube and freeze at −80 degrees C. until ready to test cytokine secretion.

Example 18.1 Cytokine Antibody Array

Detection of a panel of secreted cytokines is done using commercially semi-quantitative kits such as RayBio® “Human Angiogenesis Antibody Array 1” (Cat# AAH-ANG-1; http://www.raybiotech.com/manual/human_manual.pdf) and/or RayBio® “Human Growth Factor Antibody Array 1” (Cat# AAH-GF-1) and/or Milliplex Human Cytokine/Chemokine Immunoassay (Cat.# MPXHCYTO-60K-07; “http://www.millipore.com/catalogue/item/mpxhcyto-60k” In accordance with some applications of the present invention, DCP capability of phagocytosis and antigen presentation is assessed using the following protocol:

Semi-quantitative detection of phagocytosis of stained particles is done using a commercial procedure such as “CytoSelect™ 96-Well Phagocytosis Assay” (Cell Biolabs cat. CBA-224; http://www.cellbiolabs.com/send.php?mainID=661)

-   19. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     stem and progenitor cells capability to form cell colonies is     assessed using the following protocol:

Detection of a panel of colony types is done using a commercial procedure such as “Procedure for the Human Colony Forming Cell (CFC) Assay Using Methylcellulose-based Media” (R&D system Inc. Cat. # HSC001, HSC002, HSC003, HSC004 and HSC005; http://www.rndsystems.com/DAM_public/5664.pdf).

-   20. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     stem and progenitor cells migration capability is assessed using the     following protocol:

Quantitative detection of migratory cells is done using a commercial procedure such as “A quantitative cell migration assay using ThinCert™ cell culture inserts” (Greiner Bio-One; http://www.greinerbioone.com/UserFiles/File/ThinCert/492en_Protocol_Migration_Assay.pdf).

-   21. In accordance with some applications of the present invention,     stem and progenitor cells engraftment capability in a tissue is     assessed using the following protocol:

Detection of metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) is done using a commercial procedure such as “SensoLyte Plus™ 520 MMP-9 Assay Kit *Fluorimetric and Enhanced Selectivity*” (AnaSpec, Inc; http://www.anaspec.com/pdfs/72017.pdf).

Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Reaction Assay (CTL)

In accordance with some applications of the present invention, a cytotoxic lymphocyte reaction assay (CTL) is carried out using the following protocol (typically, the CTL is conducted to assess the cytotoxic reaction of the LSP-aCCP):

Step 1: Preparation of Target Cells for Targeting by LSP-aCCP in the CTL

Collect Target Cells (K562 (cell line) or PBMC from unrelated donor or any other cells) from flask into 50 ml tube.

Wash the flask with 5-10 ml PBS and add to the 50 ml tube.

Spin cells 7 min, 300 g, 21 degrees C., accelerate 9, brake 5.

Discard supernatant and gently resuspend cell pellet.

Add 10 ml PBS by washing tube and gently resuspend cells (possibly by pipettation).

Spin cells 7 min, 300 g, 21 degrees C., accelerate 9, brake 5.

Discard supernatant and gently resuspend cell pellet.

Add 3-5 ml PBS (according to cell pellet size).

Take samples of cells for counting in trypan blue.

Calculate the volume for 3 million target cells.

Transfer 3 million target cells into 15 ml tube.

Spin cells 7 min 300 g, 21 degrees C., accelerate 9, brake 5.

Discard supernatant and gently resuspend cell pellet.

Add 1 ml PBS.

Gently resuspend cells by repeat pipetting. Avoid generating bubbles.

Prepare fresh intermediate dilution of 50 uM (microMolar) CFSE (1:100 from the 5 mM stock (cat#65-0850-84—eBioscience, preserved at −20 degrees C.)).

Add 5 ul of diluted CFSE to the cells (final concentration 0.25 uM).

Incubate tubes 15 minutes at room temperature protected from light.

After incubation, add 3 ml CTL medium (RPMI+15% FCS) per 3 million cells.

-   -   (Note: Serum is needed to stop the CFSE binding reaction; use at         least 10% serum in the CTL Medium.)

Spin cells 7 min 300 g, 21 degrees C., accelerate 9, brake 5.

Discard supernatant and gently resuspend cell pellet.

Add 2-3 ml CTL medium by washing tube and gently resuspend cells (possibly by pipettation).

Spin cells 7 min 300 g, 21 degrees C., accelerate 9, brake 5.

Discard supernatant and gently resuspend cell pellet.

Add 2-3 ml CTL medium by washing tube and gently resuspend cells (possibly by pipettation).

Incubate cells in a loosely capped tube at 37 degrees C. in CO2 for 30-60 min.

Spin cells 7 min 300 g, 21 degrees C., accelerate 9, brake 5.

Discard supernatant and gently resuspend cell pellet.

Add 2 ml PBS.

Spin cells 7 min 300 g, 21 degrees C., accelerate 9, brake 5.

Discard supernatant and gently resuspend cell pellet.

Calculate needed volume of CTL medium to get a target cell concentration of 0.5 million cells/ml (so that aliquot of 100 ul contains 50,000 stained target cells per tube).

Resuspend the cells in the CTL medium.

Step 2: Mixing Target and Effectors Cells

Determine the total cell concentration of effectors cells of the LSP-aCCP.

Add 100 ul of target cells (K562) to all experimental FACS tubes.

In this test several target/effectors ratios such as 1:0, 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:5, 1:10, 1:50, 1:100 will be examined.

Add Effectors Cells suspended in CTL Medium, up to 100 ul per tubes.

Adjust the volume of each sample 400 ul.

Incubate 4 hours in 37 degrees C. 5% CO2.

20 min before the incubation is over prepare control tubes:

Tube of viable target cells (prepared from step 1) stained with CFSE+effectors cells (1:10) dually stained with 7-AAD.

Tube of viable CFSE stained target cells dually stained with 7-AAD.

Tube of killed CFSE stained Target Cells dually stained with 7-AAD.

Note: calibrate all control tubes to t=0.

Use 0.1 million target cells for each control.

Adjust the volume of each control to 200 ul.

Add 5 ul 7-AAD to the sample tubes.

Incubate on ice for 15 min protected from light.

Set up the FACS gating and compensation based on control cells.

Step 3: Preparation of Dead Cells Control:

Add 5 ul of TritonX-100 100% or NP-40 to the CFSE stained target cells (from step 1).

Incubate 5 min in RT.

Add 3 ml PBS.

Spin cells 7 min, 300 g, 21 degrees C., accelerate 9, brake 5.

Resuspend the cells in 200 ul CTL Medium.

CTL Medium Preparation (Good for K562 Growth):

Prepare CTL medium according to the table below:

CTL Medium Component Final conc. Volume Volume ml 500 RPMI (ml) 83% 417 FCS (ml) 15%  75 ml L-Glutamin (ml) 1%  5 ml Antibiotics 1%  5 ml (Strep + Pen) (ml)

EXPERIMENTAL DATA

The experiments described hereinbelow were performed by the inventor in accordance with some applications of the present invention and using the techniques described hereinabove.

Experimental Example 1 Isolation of DCP

In this set of experiments, directing cell populations (DCP), having an enriched population of dendritic cells (DC), were generated from PBMC. First, peripheral blood was extracted from ten human donors for use in ten respective experiments. The PBMC was obtained by preliminary processing of the peripheral blood by use of Ficoll density gradient, in accordance with the protocols described hereinabove with reference to Example 1.1, extraction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Plasmacytoid and myeloid dendritic cells were then isolated from the PBMC using cellular markers-based procedures in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Examples 3.1, and 3.4. It is possible (although not included in this experimental example) to isolate the dendritic cells from the PBMC using cellular markers-based procedures in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Examples 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, or 3.6. The obtained DCP-enriched population of cells was further sorted by immunostaining and FACS analysis based on cell surface antigens in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Example 15, in order to determine enrichment of the DCP. Results of the enrichment include an increased percentage of the cells expressing the markers CD141, CD304 and CD86 (from 24.8% in the PBMC to 54.2% in the DCP; data not shown). In addition to the experimental examples and data shown herein, the inventors of the present application conducted additional independent experiments (thus, collectively, including the experiments specifically described herein, a total of 42 independent examples were conducted). Data collected from the 42 independent experiments show an increased percentage of DC cells expressing the markers CD141 and CD304, from 7.5% in the PBMC to 43.3% in the DCP; the percentage of CD141 increased from 4.6+/−0.5% in the PBMC to 21.7+/−1.9% in the DPC, p<0.001; and the percentage of CD304 increased from 2.9+/−0.5% in the PBMC to 21.6+/−2.0% in the DPC, p<0.001.

FIGS. 1A-B are graphs representing flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) and of DCPs (directing cell population) obtained from the PBMC, in accordance with some applications of the present invention.

FIG. 1A represents flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of the PBMC showing a typical percentage of CD141+ myeloid DCs (on the X axis) and CD304+ plasmacytoid DCs (on the Y axis) in the PBMC. Typically, the percentage of DC expressing these markers in the original PBMC is very low (in this sample 7.4% CD141 and 0.9% CD304).

FIG. 1B represents flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of the DCP obtained from the PBMC. The results show the enrichment of CD141+ myeloid DC (on the X axis) and CD304+ plasmacytoid DC (on the Y axis) in the DCP compared to the PBMC. Typically, there is little or no cross-expression of these markers in a resting DC population. Isolation of two different cell populations was achieved resulting in 30% CD141 and 31.8% CD304.

Table I is a table representing the enrichment of myeloid DC and plasmacytoids DC in the DCP compared to the PBMC following the procedures described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-B. As shown, percentages of CD141 (myeloid DC) and CD304 (plasmacytoids DC) were increased in the DCP compared to the PBMC, from which the DCP was generated. The Enrichment Factor shown in Table I was determined by dividing the percentage of cells having a given characteristic in the DCP by the percentage of cells having that characteristic in the PBMC [enrichment=% in DCP/% in PBMC].

TABLE I % Cells expressing CD141 % Cells expressing CD304 Exp Enrichment Enrichment No. PBMC DCP Factor PBMC DCP Factor 1 0.6 12.6 21.0 0.3 9.5 31.7 2 0.9 30.6 34.0 0.6 50.1 83.5 3 10.5 16.6 1.6 0.7 17.7 25.3 4 8.5 44.7 5.3 1.4 19.8 14.1 5 5.6 30.7 5.5 1.0 28.9 28.9 6 7.4 30.0 4.1 0.9 31.8 35.3 7 2.2 14.3 6.5 2.8 70.4 25.1 8 2.0 43.9 22.0 1.0 8.4 8.4 9 2.8 19.5 7.0 2.8 23.7 8.5 10  7.6 31.2 4.1 1.3 25.9 19.9 Avg 4.8 27.4 11.1 1.3 28.6 28.1 p < 0.002 p < 0.002

FIGS. 2A-B are graphs representing flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of PBMC and of the DCPs generated from the PBMC, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. In addition to an enriched population of DC, the DCP also contains an enriched population of stem/progenitor cells. FIGS. 2A-B show the enrichment of stem/progenitor cells in the DCPs which were generated from PBMC in six samples obtained from the set of experiments described hereinabove in FIGS. 1A-B. Following the generation of the DCPs, the stem/progenitor cells were sorted by immunostaining and FACS analysis in order to determine enrichment of stem/progenitor cells in the DCP.

In addition to the experimental examples and data shown herein, the inventors of the present application conducted additional independent experiments (thus, collectively, including the experiments specifically described herein, a total of 39 independent examples were conducted). Data collected from the 39 independent experiments show increased percentage of stem/progenitor cells expressing CD34 and are CD45Dim/− from 1.4+/−0.2% in the PBMC to 3.2+/−0.6% in the DCP p<0.005.

FIG. 2A represents flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of the PBMC showing a typical amount of stem/progenitor cells in the PBMC as determined by expression of both CD34 and CD45Dim/−.

FIG. 2B represents flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of the DCP obtained from the PBMC. The results show the enrichment of stem/progenitor cells that express CD34 and are CD45Dim/− in the DCP compared to the PBMC.

Table II is a table representing the enrichment of stem/progenitor cells that are CD34 positive and CD45Dim/− in the DCP compared to the PBMC following the procedures described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 2A-B. As shown, percentages of cells that express CD34 and are CD45Dim/− were increased in the DCP compared to the PBMC, from which the DCP was generated. The Enrichment Factor shown in Table II was determined by dividing the percentage of cells having a given characteristic in the DCP by the percentage of cells having that characteristic in the PBMC [enrichment=% in DCP/% in PBMC].

TABLE II % cells expressing CD34 and CD45^(Dim/—) Exp Enrichment No. PBMC DCP Factor 1 0.5 16.6 33.2 2 0.3 8.4 28.0 3 1.4 3.3 2.4 4 2.0 7.3 2.1 5 0.4 2.5 6.3 6 0.4 4.9 12.3 7 1.3 6.9 5.3 8 0.3 9.2 30.7 9 0.2 1.8 9.0 10  3.1 12.3 4.0 11  0.8 1.7 2.1 Avg 1.0 6.8 12.4 p = 0.002

Experimental Example 2 Activation of DCP

In this set of experiments, DCPs, having an enriched population of dendritic cells (DC), were generated from PBMC, as described in Example 1. Plasmacytoid and myeloid dendritic cells (DC) were then separated from the PBMC by use of a cellular markers-based procedure in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to enrichment of DC. The obtained DCP was further activated by incubation of the DCP in a medium containing at least 10% autologous serum, 5 IU/ml Heparin with or without 20-50 ng/ml IL-10, and 1-20 ng/ml VEGF for 0.5 hours to 3 days in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Examples 5.1, 6.4, and 8.1. It is possible (although not included in this experimental example) to activate dendritic cells in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Examples 6.3, 6.5, 8.2, or 8.3. The DCP was sorted by immunostaining and FACS analysis based on cell surface antigens in order to determine the activation of the DCP. Activation of the DCs was determined by increased percentages of CD141 positive cells within the population and increased intensity of CD141 in the CD141 expressing cells.

In addition to the experimental examples and data shown herein, the inventors of the present application conducted additional independent experiments (thus, collectively, including the experiments specifically described herein, a total of 24 independent examples were conducted). Data collected from the 24 independent experiments show that the percentages of activated cells rose from 6.6+/−1.4% in the freshly isolated population to 27.9+/−2.7% in the post activated population p<0.001.

Reference is made to FIGS. 3A-B. FIG. 3A represents flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of the DC-enriched DCP prior to activation, showing a typical percentage of CD141 expressing myeloid DCs, and of CD303-expressing plasmacytoid DCs present in the DCP. FIG. 3B represents flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of the DC-enriched DCP after activation, showing a typical percentage of CD141 expressing myeloid DCs, and of CD303-expressing plasmacytoid DCs present in the DCP.

See Table II-I for individual results, showing that the DCP population expressed increased intensity of CD141 following 3 hours activation

TABLE II-I DCP Expressing increased intensity of CD141 Sample DCP after Time = No. DCP at Time = 0 3-4 hours Enrichment factor  1 20.9 30.8 1.5  2 3.1 45.2 14.6  3 1.1 19.9 18.1  4 1.0 40.1 40.1  5 3.4 24.9 7.3  6 4.8 28.2 5.9  7 2.5 53.0 21.2  8 1.8 31.0 17.2  9 3.3 5.5 1.7 10 1.8 17.4 9.7 11 5.0 6.2 1.2 12 1.6 10.1 6.3 13 2.5 9.8 3.9 14 9.0 30.7 3.4 15 11.5 41.3 3.6 16 22.4 34.7 1.5 17 4.6 25.8 5.6 18 18.6 47.0 2.5 19 6.3 31.2 5.0 20 6.1 42.3 6.9 21 3.9 26.1 6.7 22 2.6 10.6 4.1 23 19.2 36.8 1.9 24 2.5 20.9 8.4 Avg 6.6 27.9 8.3 SE 1.4 2.7 P <0.0001

Experimental Example 3 Enrichment of TDC-Derived MASPC

In this set of experiments, a population of TDC was isolated from the PBMC and enriched by depletion of CD8 and CD56-expressing cells as described hereinabove with reference to the method, “Isolation of Stem and Progenitor cells.” First, peripheral blood samples were collected from nine human donors for use in nine respective experiments. The PBMC were isolated from the peripheral blood samples by use of a Ficoll density gradient, in the manner described in Experimental Example 1. The desired TDC were then generated from the PBMC and enriched by binding of specific antibodies to undesired cell populations expressing CD8 and CD56 (T cells and NK cells respectively), and these cells were subsequently removed in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Example 2.6.

It is possible (although not included in this experimental example) to work in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Example 2.4.

In addition to the experimental examples and data shown herein, the inventors of the present application conducted additional independent experiments (thus, collectively, including the experiments specifically described herein, a total of 43 independent examples were conducted). Data collected from the 43 independent experiments show reduced percentage of TDC expressing the markers CD8 and CD56 in the TDC in comparison to their percentage in original PBMC; the percentage of CD8 decreased from 22.8+/−1.1% in the PBMC to 2.9+/−0.4% in the TDC, p<0.0001; the percentage of CD56 decreased from 21.1+/−1.6% in the PBMC to 8.5+/−1.4% in the TDC, p<0.0001.

FIGS. 4A-B are graphs representing flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of PBMC and of an enriched TDC (tissue derived cells) population, generated in accordance with some applications of the present invention.

FIG. 4A represents flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of the PBMC, showing a typical percentage of CD8-expressing T cells, and of CD56-expressing NK cells present in the PBMC.

FIG. 4B represents flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of the enriched TDC population obtained by depletion of CD8 and CD56-expressing cells from the PBMC. The results show the depletion of CD8 and CD56-expressing cells in the TDC compared to the PBMC from which the TDC were obtained.

Table III is a table representing the enrichment of the TDC, achieved by depletion of CD8 and CD56-expressing cells in accordance with the procedures described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 3A-B. As shown, percentages of CD8 (T cells) and CD56 (NK cells) were decreased in the TDC compared to the PBMC, from which the TDC was obtained. Enrichment in this set of experiments results from the depletion of selected populations of cells from the TDC. The Enrichment Factor shown in Table III was determined by dividing the percentage of cells having a given characteristic in the TDC by the percentage of cells having that characteristic in the PBMC [Enrichment=% in TDC/% in PBMC].

TABLE III % Cells expressing CD8 % Cells expressing CD56 Exp Enrichment Enrichment No. PBMC DCP Factor PBMC DCP Factor 1 23.7 2.4 9.9 9.8 3 3.3 2 16.4 2.9 5.7 12.4 2.3 5.4 3 8.8 2.2 4 22.3 4.7 4.7 4 20.1 0.1 201 25.5 13.4 1.9 5 11.9 0 >200 8.9 7.2 1.2 6 23.4 0.4 58.5 20.2 5.4 3.7 7 15.5 9.2 1.7 21.8 0.3 72.7 8 31.1 3.7 8.4 22.7 4.5 5 9 18.5 1.5 12.3 18.4 4.1 4.5 Avg 18.8 2.5 37.7 18.0 5.0 11.4 P < 0.0001 P < 0.0001

Experimental Example 4 Characterization of LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC—Morphological Analysis

In this set of experiments, a DCP was co-cultured with TDC in order to generate a population of lineage-specific precursors (LSP). The LSP generated in this set of experiments was an endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-rich MASPC. First, a DCP was generated from human PBMC using the protocols described hereinabove in Experimental Examples 1 and 2. The isolated DCP was then maintained and activated in a medium for enhancement of DCP using the protocols described hereinabove in Experimental Example 2. The activated DCP was then co-cultured with TDC. Co-cultured cells were maintained in a medium containing at least (a) 5% autologous serum, (b) 5 IU/ml Heparin, and (c) 2-50 ng/ml IL-10 and/or 1-20 ng/ml VEGF. The medium was changed every 2-3 days, in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to co-culturing of activated MASPC and TDC to generate LSP in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Examples 6.9 and 8.5. For some applications, neither IL-10 nor VEGF is included in the medium.

It is possible (although not included in this experimental example) to work in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Examples 6.7, 6.8, and 8.6.

The DCP and TDC were plated on either serum- or plasma-coated plastic tissue culture plates. Cells were maintained in a medium containing at least (a) 10% autologous serum, (b) 5 IU/ml Heparin, and (c) 20-50 ng/ml IL-10 and/or 1-20 ng/ml VEGF. The medium was changed every 2-3 days. Other experimental data show that the cells were maintained in a medium containing at least 10% autologous serum, 5-25 IU/ml Heparin with or without 1-50 ng/ml IL-10, and 1-20 ng/ml VEGF (data not shown).

Reference is made to FIGS. 5 and 6A-B.

FIG. 5 is a representative photomicrograph of an endothelial progenitor cells (EPC)-rich multipotent adult stem/progenitor cells (MASPC) population, generated in accordance with some applications of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows the morphology of an endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) population generated by the co-culturing of activated human-PBMC-derived DCP and TDC as described hereinabove. As shown, elongated and spindle-shaped cells are typically observed in cultures of EPC-rich MASPC.

FIG. 6A is a photomicrograph of co-cultured DCP and TDC, cultured in accordance with the procedures described hereinabove. Images were obtained from ×200 magnification of cultured DCP-TDC.

FIG. 6B is a photomicrograph of an LSP (lineage-specific precursors) of EPC-rich MASPC culture, resulting from the co-culture of the DCP and TDC described with reference to FIG. 6A. Images were obtained from x200 magnification of cultured EPC-rich MASPC.

Experimental Example 5 Characterization of LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC—Cell Yields, Surface Markers, and Physiological Activity

In this set of experiments, an LSP of EPC-rich MASPC, was generated from the co-culturing of a human-PBMC-derived DCP together with TDC, as described hereinabove with reference to Experimental Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4. Co-cultured cells were maintained in a medium containing at least (a) 5% autologous serum, (b) 5 IU/ml Heparin, and (c) 2-50 ng/ml IL-10 and/or 1-20 ng/ml VEGF. The medium was changed every 2-3 days. For some applications, neither IL-10 nor VEGF is included in the medium.

The presence of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in the culture was then assessed on day 3-4 of culturing, and was determined by FACS analysis by co-staining with FITC-labeled antibody against Ulex lectin and 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethyl-indocarbocyanine perchlorate labeled Acetylated Low Density Lipoprotein (Dil-Ac-LDL) Ac-LDL. FACS staining was performed in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Example 15.

FIG. 7 represents flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of typical LSP of EPC-rich MASPC, showing (in the gated area) the percentage of EPC that stained positive for both Dil-Ac-LDL uptake and FITC-Ulex-lectin binding.

Table IV is a table representing average flow cytometry immunostaining results obtained from six independent experiments which were conducted in accordance with the procedures described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 7. As shown in Table IV, co-culturing of DCP and TDC typically yields an EPC-rich MASPC having at least 80% viability (88.8% as shown in the table), at least 1% CD141 (2.9%, as shown in the table), at least 5% CD304 (28.9%, as shown in the table), at least 7.5% hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (27%, as shown in the table) and at least 20% EPCs (36.9%, as shown in the table).

In addition to the experimental examples and data shown herein, the inventors of the present application conducted additional independent experiments, wherein co-cultured cells were maintained in a medium containing at least 10% autologous serum, 5-25 IU/ml Heparin with or without 1-50 ng/ml IL-10, and 1-20 ng/ml VEGF (thus, collectively, including the experiments specifically described herein, a total of 18 independent examples were conducted). Data collected from the independent experiments show yields of LSP of EPC-rich MASPC of 0.3+/−0.04 million cells per 1 ml blood (n=18; i.e., 75+/−10 million cells, for a blood sample of 250 milliliter) having 89.3+/−1.9% viability (n=16) 3.7+/−1.4% CD141 (n=10), 22.5+/−3.2% CD304 (n=16), 16.8+/−4.1% hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells co-expressing CD34 and D184 (n=11) and 28.5+/−3.6% EPCs Co-expressing Ulex lectin and uptake of Ac-LDL (n=11). See Table IV-I for individual results.

TABLE IV Number experiments Average % Standard N = 6 Stained Cells Error Viability 88.8 2.0 DCP expressing CD141 in the LSP of 2.9 0.9 EPC-Rich MASPC DCP expressing CD304 in the LSP of 28.9 6.4 EPC-Rich MASPC MASPC co-expressing CD34 and CD184⁺ in 23.0 4.1 the LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC EPCs co-expressing Ac-LDL Uptake and 36.9 5.5 Ulex lectin in the LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC

TABLE IV-I % Cells in the LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC - Results of Individual samples EPCs DCP DCP MASPC co-expressing expressing expressing co-expressing Ac-LDL Uptake Viability CD141 CD304 CD34 & CD184 & Ulex lectin Sample Sample % of Sample % of Sample % of Sample % of No. % No. Cells No. Cells No. Cells No. Cells 1 95.9 1 5.3 1 18.2 1 26.0 1 34.8 2 73.4 2 0.2 2 10.9 2 18.5 2 41.5 3 96.2 3 2.0 3 38.0 3 14.7 3 33.5 4 84.2 4 6.6 4 12.7 4 27.8 4 23.1 5 95.9 5 0.6 5 12.4 5 6.2 5 39.3 6 85.2 6 0.3 6 6.1 6 2.0 6 24.9 7 90.0 7 0.3 7 40.5 7 47.1 7 26.6 8 81.4 8 0.5 8 24.6 8 8.0 8 8.7 9 89.9 9 9.7 9 25.9 9 2.3 9 7.0 10  85.5 10  11.7 10 39.0 10 22.0 10 37.4 11  79.3 11 11.0 11 10.1 11 37.2 12  87.7 12 38.4 13  98.8 13 9.2 14  93.9 14 9.0 15  98.2 15 25.1 16  94.0 16 39.4 Avg 89.3 Avg 3.7 Avg 22.5 Avg 16.8 Avg 28.5 SE 1.9 SE 1.4 SE 3.2 SE 4.1 SE 3.6

Experimental Example 6 Characterization of LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC—New Surface Marker Combinations

In this set of experiments, an LSP of EPC-rich MASPC, was generated from the co-culturing of a human-PBMC-derived DCP together with TDC, as described hereinabove with reference to Experimental Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4. Co-cultured cells were maintained in a medium containing at least (a) 5% autologous serum, (b) 5 IU/ml Heparin, and (c) 2-50 ng/ml IL-10 and/or 1-20 ng/ml VEGF. The medium was changed every 2-3 days. For some applications, neither IL-10 nor VEGF is included in the medium.

The presence of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in the culture was then assessed on day 3-4 of culturing, and was determined by FACS analysis by co-staining with CD31 (PECAM-1) and VEGFR1 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1). Additional staining was conducted to identify cells co-expressing CD309 (VEGFR2, KDR) and CD202b (Tie-2).

Results representing average flow cytometry immunostaining obtained from independent experiments which were conducted in accordance with the procedures described hereinabove with reference to Experimental Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4 and FACS staining protocol (Example 15).

Co-culturing of DCP and TDC typically yields an LSP of EPC-rich MASPC having, at least 2.5% of cells co-expressing CD309 (VEGFR2, KDR) and CD202b (Tie-2), (on average, the percentage of cells co-expressing CD309 and CD202b was 7.4+/−3.0%), and at least at least 5% of cells co-expressing CD31 and VEGFR1, 9.2+/−2.5% (on average, the percentage of cells co-expressing CD31 and VEGFR1 was 7.4+/−3.0%). See Table IV-II for individual results.

TABLE IV-II % Cells in the LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC - new surface marker combinations - Results of Individual samples EPCs EPCs co-expressing co-expressing CD309 & CD202B CD31 & VEGFR1 Sample No. % of Cells Sample No. % of Cells 1 0.2 1 8.0 2 6.2 2 4.5 3 24.3 3 25.3 4 6.2 4 6.4 5 6.5 5 2.3 6 5.7 6 9.6 7 2.4 7 8.7 Avg 7.4 Avg 9.2 SE 3.0 SE 2.5

Experimental Example 6.1 Generation and Characterization of LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC—in Common Medium without Cytokine

In this set of experiments, a DCP was co-cultured with TDC in order to generate a population of lineage-specific precursors (LSP). The LSP generated in this set of experiments was an endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-rich MASPC. First, a DCP was generated from human PBMC using the protocols described hereinabove in Experimental Examples 1 and 2. The isolated DCP was then maintained and activated in a medium for enhancement of DCP using the protocols described hereinabove in Experimental Example 2. The activated DCP was then co-cultured with TDC. Co-cultured cells were maintained in a medium containing at least (a) 5% autologous serum, (b) 5 IU/ml Heparin, and (c) 2-50 ng/ml IL-10 and/or 1-20 ng/ml VEGF. The medium was changed every 2-3 days in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to co-culturing of activated MASPC and TDC to generate LSP in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Examples 6.9 and 8.5. For some applications, neither IL-10 nor VEGF is included in the medium.

It is possible (although not included in this experimental example) to work in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Examples 6.7, 6.8, and 8.6.

The DCP and TDC were plated on either serum- or plasma-coated plastic tissue culture plates.

Data collected from three independent experiments, in which co-cultured cells were maintained in a medium containing at least (a) 5% autologous serum and (b) 5 IU/ml Heparin, show yields of LSP of EPC-rich MASPC of 0.23+/−0.09 million cells per 1 ml blood having 96.1+/−2.2% viability, 1.0+/−0.3% CD141, 9.9+/−5.0% CD304, 2.4+/−0.2% hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells co-expressing CD34 and D184, 11.3+/−7.7% EPCs co-expressing Ulex lectin and uptake of Ac-LDL, 8.3+/−1.5%, EPCs co-expressing CD309 and CD202b and 10.2+/−3.7% EPCs co-expressing VEGFR1 and CD31.

Experimental Example 7 Characterization of LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC—De-novo Generation of Soluble Molecules

In this set of experiments, an LSP of EPC-rich MASPC, was generated from the co-culturing of TDC together with a human-PBMC-derived DCP, in accordance with the steps described in Experimental Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4. Co-cultured cells were maintained in a medium containing at least (a) 5% autologous serum, (b) 5 IU/ml Heparin, and (c) 2-50 ng/ml IL-10 and/or 1-20 ng/ml VEGF. The medium was changed every 2-3 days. For some applications, neither IL-10 nor VEGF is included in the medium.

The LSP of EPC-rich MASPC were then plated in 24-well plastic tissue culture plates at a concentration of 0.5-2.0 million/ml. Cells were maintained under starvation conditions in a serum free medium (e.g., X-vivo 15™ or Biotarget-1™) without any additives for 18-48 hours. Soluble molecules secretion into the starvation assay supernatant (SAS) was measured by Milliplex Human Cytokine/Chemokine Immunoassay, Milipore Billerica, Mass., USA. Procedures were performed in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to examples 18 and 19.

Results obtained from independent experiments which were conducted in accordance with the procedures described hereinabove, show that co-culturing of DCP and TDC typically yields an EPC-rich MASPC secreting 6929+/−314 pg/ml IL-8 (n=6), 5.7+/−3.4 pg/ml IL-10 (n=6), 2.3+/−1 pg/ml VEGF (n=5) and 5.2+/−0.9 pg/ml basic FGF (n=6). However, the LSP of EPC-rich MASPC do not secrete the pro-inflammatory factor Interferon-gamma (IFHγ).

Experimental Example 8 Characterization of LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC—Angiogenic Potential

In this set of experiments, an LSP of EPC-rich MASPC, was generated from the co-culturing of TDC together with a human-PBMC-derived DCP, in accordance with the steps described in Experimental Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4. Co-cultured cells were maintained in a medium containing at least (a) 5% autologous serum, (b) 5 IU/ml Heparin, and (c) 2-50 ng/ml IL-10 and/or 1-20 ng/ml VEGF. The medium was changed every 2-3 days. For some applications, neither IL-10 nor VEGF is included in the medium.

The cells were then plated on an extracellular methylcellulose matrix gel and the angiogenic pattern and vascular tube formation of the cells was examined microscopically on days 1-14 of culturing in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Example 17.

FIG. 8 is a photomicrograph showing tube formation in EPC-rich MASPC, generated in accordance with some applications of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows typical tube formation in the LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC. As shown, semi-closed and closed polygons of capillaries and complex mesh-like capillary structures were observed and scored as grade 4.

Experimental Example 9 Characterization of MASPC-Rich LSP—Surface Markers

In this set of experiments, the expansion and activation of MASPC and of DC was achieved by co-culturing an activated human-PBMC-derived DCP together with an MASPC-rich TDC population, in accordance with some applications of the present invention as described hereinabove with reference to Experimental Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4. Co-cultured cells were maintained in a medium containing at least (a) 5% autologous serum, (b) 5 IU/ml Heparin, and (c) 2-50 ng/ml IL-10 and/or 1-20 ng/ml VEGF. The medium was changed every 2-3 days. For some applications, neither IL-10 nor VEGF is included in the medium.

The DCP-TDC co-culture was then plated on serum- or plasma-coated plastic tissue culture plates. Cells were maintained in a medium containing at least 5% autologous serum, 20-50 ng/ml IL-10, 1-10 ng/ml VEGF, and 5 IU/ml Heparin. Other experimental data show that the cells maintained in a medium containing at least 5% autologous serum, containing 5-25 IU/ml Heparin, 1-50 ng/ml IL-10, and 1-10 ng/ml VEGF. The presence of myeloid DC and plasmacytoid DC and stem/progenitor cells in the culture was assessed on day 3-4 of culturing by examining the expression of specific cell surface antigens of CD141, CD304, CD34, CD31, CD202b and CD184 by flow cytometry. Cells were stained with antibodies against CD34, CD31, CD202b, CD304, CD141 and CD184 as described hereinabove with reference to FACS staining protocol (Example 15).

In addition to the experimental examples and data shown herein, the inventors of the present application conducted additional independent experiments (thus, collectively, including the experiments specifically described herein, a total of 21 independent examples were conducted). Data collected from the 21 independent experiments show yields of a MASPC-rich LSP having 91.3+/−1.4% viability 3.0+/−1.1% CD141, 17.1+/−2.4% CD304 and 17.7+/−2.3% hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells co-expressing CD34 and D184. Data collected from the three independent experiments show yields of a MASPC-rich LSP having 95.0+/−2.8% viability and 12.6+/−5.7% hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells co-expressing CD31 and CD202b.

Some experimental data from the 18 experiments show that the cells were maintained in a medium containing at least 10% autologous serum, 5-25 IU/ml Heparin with or without 1-50 ng/ml IL-10, and 1-20 ng/ml VEGF.

Data collected from the 18 independent experiments show yields of a MASPC-rich LSP having 96.7+/−0.4% viability, 1.6+/−0.6% CD141, 27.4+/−3.2% CD304 and 19.8+/−4.3% hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells co-expressing CD34 and D184. Data collected from the 9 independent experiments show yields of a MASPC-rich LSP having 96.6+/−0.7% viability and 27.6+/−6.5% hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells co-expressing CD31 and CD202b.

Reference is made to FIGS. 9A-B, which are graphs representing flow cytometry immunostaining analysis of an expanded population of MASPC and of an expanded population of DC generated by co-culturing of an activated human-PBMC-derived DCP together with a MASPC-rich TDC population, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. In this application of the present invention, the LSP comprises a MASPC-rich LSP and DCP. FIG. 9A shows the percentage of stem/progenitor cells co-expressing CD34 and CD184 in a typical expanded MASPC culture (i.e., the MASPC-rich LSP). FIG. 9B shows the percentages of DCP (of the MASPC-rich LSP) having cells expressing mainly CD304 and cells expressing CD141.

Table V is a table representing average flow cytometry immunostaining results obtained from seven independent experiments which were conducted in accordance with the procedures described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 9A-B. As shown in Table VI, co-culturing of DCP and TDC typically yields an expanded population of DC and of Stem/Progenitor cells having at least 80% viability (89.4%, as shown in the table), at least 1% CD141 (6.2%, as shown in the table), at least 5% CD304 (16.4%, as shown in the table), and at least 7.5% hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (27.6%, as shown in the table). See Table V-I for individual results.

TABLE V Number experiments Average % Standard N = 7 Stained Cells Error Viability 89.4 3.3 DCP expressing CD141 in the 6.2 2.9 MAPSC-rich LSP DCP expressing CD304 in the 16.4 4.6 MAPSC-rich LSP MASPC co-expressing CD34 and 27.6 6.1 CD184 in the MAPSC-rich LSP

TABLE V-I % Cells in the MASPC-Rich LSP - Results of Individual samples MASPC EPCs DCP DCP co-expressing co-expressing Expressing expressing CD34 & CD31 & Viability CD141 CD304 CD184 CD202b Sample Sample % of Sample % of Sample % of Sample % of No. % No. Cells No. Cells No. Cells No. Cells  1 95.9 1 1.0 1 18.2 1 10.8 1 23.0  2 73.4 2 4.0 2 10.9 2 20.4 2 11.3  3 96.2 3 19.5 3 38.0 3 28.6 3 3.4  4 84.2 4 14.8 4 12.7 4 7.6 4 13.6  5 95.9 5 0.8 5 12.4 5 40.7 5 19.0  6 85.2 6 0.8 6 6.1 6 21.3 6 55.0  7 100.0 7 4.6 7 41.9 7 10.0 7 62.3  8 88.9 8 2.7 8 22.4 8 19.0 8 22.0  9 89.0 9 0.4 9 12.5 9 35.9 9 18.7 10 93.5 10 1.1 10 23.4 10 24.0 10 21.2 11 84.0 11 0.5 11 11.3 11 3.8 11 34.5 12 90.6 12 0.2 12 7.3 12 8.0 12 2.4 13 90.4 13 1.6 13 9.8 13 15.6 14 84.5 14 0.1 14 18.5 14 24.0 15 94.9 15 0.4 15 37.4 15 30.1 16 98.9 16 0.6 16 7.1 16 4.5 17 95.8 17 0.5 17 9.9 17 11.2 18 97.4 18 2.6 18 16.0 18 20.4 19 93.1 19 6.2 19 25.8 19 17.3 20 89.5 20 0.5 20 11.7 20 13.6 21 96.4 21 0.4 21 5.9 21 5.4 22 92.5 22 2.2 22 15.8 22 19.4 23 100.0 23 1.1 23 24.0 23 24.6 24 97.5 24 0.0 24 52.6 24 58.3 25 96.6 25 0.2 25 45.6 25 62.5 26 94.7 26 1.2 26 30.8 26 23.2 27 97.5 27 0.1 27 41.3 27 44.2 28 96.7 28 3.6 28 21.4 28 17.9 29 94.2 29 0.1 29 29.2 29 18.2 30 98.2 30 0.5 30 36.5 30 23.6 31 97.6 31 0.5 31 10.7 31 3.9 32 97.7 32 0.3 32 14.9 32 4.7 33 97.7 33 0.7 33 40.9 33 23.8 34 96.8 34 1.6 34 22.9 34 3.9 35 95.3 35 1.8 35 44.9 35 5.1 36 97.1 36 2.2 36 15.6 36 7.8 37 96.3 37 1.5 37 10.7 37 2.6 38 97.1 38 0.2 38 11.3 38 4.8 39 97.7 39 10.3 39 23.6 39 7.3 Avg 94.3 Avg 2.3 Avg 21.8 Avg 17.7 Avg 23.9 SE 0.9 SE 0.6 SE 2.1 SE 2.3 SE 5.3

Experimental Example 10 Enrichment of MASPC Cells Co-Expressing CD34 and CD184 During Culture Generation of MASPC-Rich LSP

In this set of experiments, an expanded and activated population of MASPC was generated from the co-culturing of TDC together with a human-PBMC-derived DCP to generate a MASPC-rich LSP, as described in hereinabove with reference to Experimental Examples 1 and 2. The percentage of cells co-expressing CD34 and CD184, typical of the MASPC-rich LSP, was tested prior to and at the end of culturing of the cells.

Results from 10 independent experiments comparing the percentage of cell co-expressing CD34 and CD184 prior to and at the end of the culture period show the enrichment of this specific sub-population. The percent of cells co-expressing CD34 and CD184 increased from at least 2% (on average, the percentage of cells co-expressing CD34 and CD184 was 7.3+/−2.3%) prior to culturing, to at least 5% (on average, the percentage of cells co-expressing CD34 and CD184 was 14.4+/−2.9%) at the end of culture period.

Experimental Example 11 Characterization of MASPC-Rich LSP—Clonogenic Potential

In this set of experiments, an expanded and activated population of MASPC was generated from the co-culturing of TDC together with a human-PBMC-derived DCP as described in hereinabove with reference to Experimental Example 9. The cells were plated on an extracellular methylcellulose matrix gel and the cells ability for proliferation and colony formation was examined microscopically on days 1-21 of culturing in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Example 20.

Results from 16 independent experiments show that co-culturing of DCP and TDC typically yields LSP of EPC-rich MASPC and MASPC-rich LSP having colony forming cells (CFC), capable of generating a variety of cell colony types, at a frequency of 73.4+/−14.1 per 100,000 seeded cells.

Reference is made to FIG. 10, which is a photomicrograph showing proliferation and colony formation in an expanded and activated population of MASPC-Rich LSP generated by co-culturing of an activated human-PBMC-derived DCP together with an MASPC-rich TDC population, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows typical colonies in the expanded and activated population of MASPC. Generally, single stem/progenitor cells that are capable of proliferation generate short and long term cell colonies.

Experimental Example 12 Characterization of MASPC-Rich LSP Generated from Banked Cells

In another set of experiments, an expanded and activated population of MASPC was generated from preserved PBMC by co-culturing of thawed MASPC-rich TDC together with a thawed human-PBMC-derived DCP as described hereinabove with reference to Experimental Example 9. The PBMC was obtained by preliminary processing of the peripheral blood by use of Ficoll density gradient, in accordance with the protocols described hereinabove with reference to extraction of PBMC (Example 1.1). PBMC was frozen in serum-free freezing medium at a concentration of 2-15 million/ml for a period of 2-8 weeks, in accordance with the protocols described hereinabove with reference to cryopreservation of cells (DC and or MASPC and/or LSP).

As a result of co-culturing of thawed MASPC-rich TDC together with a thawed human-PBMC-derived DCP as well as with thawed human-blood buffy-coat derived DCP, an expanded and activated population of MASPC was generated. This procedure typically yields an LSP population of MASPC-rich LSP and DCP similar to that described in Experimental Examples 9 and 10, characterized by 82.7% viability, 10% CD304, 11.7% CD86, and 10.4% cells co-expressing CD184 and CD34.

In addition to the experimental examples and data shown herein, the inventors of the present application conducted additional independent experiments wherein co-cultured cells were maintained in a medium containing at least 10% autologous serum, 5-25 IU/ml Heparin with or without 1-50 ng/ml IL-10, and 1-20 ng/ml VEGF (thus, collectively, including the experiments specifically described herein, a total of 3 independent examples were conducted). Data collected from the 3 independent experiments show yields of MASPC-rich LSP having 90.9% viability, 8.9% CD304, and 8.0% hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells co-expressing CD34 and CD184, and 7.5% EPCs co-expressing Ulex lectin and uptake of Ac-LDL, and a frequency of CFC of 36.9 per 100,000 seeded cells.

Experimental Example 13 Effect of DCP Activation on the Generation of MASPC-Rich LSP

In this set of experiments, an expanded and activated population of MASPC was generated from the co-culturing of TDC together with a human-PBMC-derived DCP, as described in Experimental Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4. Co-cultured cells were maintained in a medium containing at least (a) 5% autologous serum, (b) 5 IU/ml Heparin, and (c) 2-50 ng/ml IL-10 and/or 1-20 ng/ml VEGF. The medium was changed every 2-3 days. For some applications, neither IL-10 nor VEGF is included in the medium.

A comparison was then made between the co-culturing of TDC together with (a) DCP that was activated for 3-4 hours, and (b) DCP that was activated for 21-22 hours. In other experiments, a comparison was made between the co-culturing of TDC together with (a) DCP that was activated for 0.5-24 hours, and (b) DCP that was activated for 21-22 hours (data not shown).

Table VI is a table representing average flow cytometry immunostaining results obtained from two independent experiments which were conducted in accordance with the procedures described hereinabove. As shown in Table VII, co-culturing TDC together with DCP activated for 3-4 hours or for 21-22 hours typically yields similar expanded populations of DC and of stem/progenitor cells having:

at least 80% viability (94.2% for DCP 3-4 hours group, and 94.8% for DCP 21-22 hours group, as shown in the table),

at least 1% CD86 (33.1% for DCP 3-4 hours group, and 34.2% for DCP 21-22 hours group as shown in the table),

at least 5% CD304 (17.6% for DCP 3-4 hours group, and 19.4% for DCP 21-22 hours group, as shown in the table), and

at least 7.5% hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (31.0% for DCP 3-4 hours group, and 30.0% for DCP 21-22 hours group, as shown in the table).

TABLE VI DCP DCP Activation Activation 21-22 % Stained Cells 3-4 hours hours Viability 94.2 94.8 DCP expressing CD 86 in the MASPC-rich LSP 33.1 34.2 DCP expressing CD304 in the MASPC-rich LSP 17.6 19.4 MASPC co-expressing CD34 and CD184 in the 31.0 30.1 MASPC-rich LSP

Experimental Example 14 Characterization of LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC—Safety and Efficacy in a Mouse Model of Hind-Limb Ischemia

In this set of experiments, an LSP of EPC-rich MASPC was generated from the co-culturing of TDC together with a human-PBMC-derived DCP, in accordance with the steps described in Experimental Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4. Co-cultured cells were maintained in a medium containing at least (a) 5% autologous serum, (b) 5 IU/ml Heparin, and (c) 2-50 ng/ml IL-10 and/or 1-20 ng/ml VEGF. The medium was changed every 2-3 days. For some applications, neither IL-10 nor VEGF is included in the medium.

The cells were tested in a controlled blinded experiment assessing their safety and efficacy. The study was done in adherence to OECD Principles of GLP guidelines [C (97) 186/Final].

The hind limb ischemia model that was used included unilateral ligation and dissection of the femoral artery section distal to the ligature of genetically-modified SCID/Nude mice. The contralateral limb was not treated. This surgery led to obstruction of the blood flow, and subsequently to severe ischemic damage. A control group of mice (n=10) were injected with medium only, while two experimental groups (n=10 in each group) were each injected with LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC. Intramuscular injections were made in two locations distal to the obstructed area. Blood flow to the leg was measured using laser Doppler, and the percentage blood supply was calculated relative to the contralateral, uninjured leg.

Experimental Group 1, designated BC1-1 (n=10), was treated with LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC cultured for 1 day.

Experimental Group 2, designated BC1-3 (n=10), was treated with LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC cultured for 3 days.

Control results show the capability of LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC to reconstitute blood supply to the injured leg, and was measured on days 15 and 21 post-damage.

FIGS. 11A-B show a series of contour graphs representative of laser Doppler scans of mice from the control group (injected with medium only), and from the two experimental groups (BC1-1 and BC1-3), as obtained in an experiment performed in accordance with some applications of the present invention. The control and experimental groups were scanned prior to surgery (day 1=baseline), at which time both legs had normal blood flow. After damage induction (day 1 after induced damage), blood flow to the left leg (on the right side of each picture) is stopped. On days 15 and 21 it is seen that blood flow in the control group was not improved, while blood flow in the LSP of EPC-Rich MASPC (BC1-1 and BC1-3) groups was restored.

FIG. 11C is a graph of blood flow measured during the same experiment, showing data for the control group (dashed line), BC1-1 (squares) and BC1-3 (triangles). The results presented in FIG. 11B show that while the control group demonstrated insignificant improvement in blood flow over time (from 25.7+/−3.2% on day 1 after damage induction to 36.0+/−2.3% on day 15 and 37.6+/−1.7% on day 21), statistically-significant improvement in blood flow was observed in both BC1-1 and BC1-3 treated groups; from 22.6+/−2.0% on day 1 to 50.3+/−4.6% and 58.6+/−2.6% on days 15 and 21 respectively, in the BC1-1 group, and 20.5+/−0.8% on day 1 to 47.6+/−5.6% and 52.4+/−2.4% on days 15 and 21 respectively in the BC1-3 group. In addition, on day 15 (p<0.01) and day 21 (p<0.001), both experimental groups had blood flow that was significantly higher than the control group.

Experiment for Generating an LSP-aCCP

LSP-aCCP Experimental Example 1 Procedure for Isolating DCPs from PBMC

In this set of experiments, directing cell populations (DCP), having an enriched population of dendritic cells (DC), were generated from PBMC. First, peripheral blood was extracted from human donors for use in individual experiments The PBMC was obtained by preliminary processing of the peripheral blood by use of Ficoll density gradient, in accordance with the protocols described hereinabove with reference to Example 1.1, extraction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), Myeloid dendritic cells DC were then isolated from the PBMC by use of a cellular markers-based procedure in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Examples 3.4, and 3.1. It is possible (although not included in this experimental example) to isolate the dendritic cells from the PBMC using cellular markers-based procedures in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Examples 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, or 3.6. The obtained DCP-enriched population of cells was further sorted by immunostaining and FACS analysis based on cell surface antigens in order to determine enrichment of the DCP. FACS staining was performed in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Example 15.

Results of the isolation show an increased percentage of the markers CD141 and CD86. The percentages of CD141 expressing cells increased from 1.9% in the PBMC original population to 10.6% in the DCP reflecting an average enrichment factor of 5.6; the percentages of CD86 increased from 22.9% in the PBMC original population to 71.9% in the DCP reflecting an average enrichment factor of 3.4. [Enrichment=% in DCP/% in PBMC]

TABLE VII % Cells expressing CD141 % Cells expressing CD86 Exp Enrichment Enrichment No. PBMC DCP Factor PBMC DCP Factor 1 1.7 8.9 5.2 25.8 63.8 2.5 2 2.4 14.3 6.0 27.5 77.2 2.8 3 1.5 8.6 5.7 15.5 74.6 4.8 Avg 1.9 10.6 5.6 22.9 71.9 3.4 p < 0.05 p < 0.001

LSP-aCCP Experimental Example 2 Procedure to Activate Isolated DCP

In this set of experiments, DCPs, having an enriched population of dendritic cells (DC), were generated from PBMC. Myeloid dendritic cells (DC) were then separated from the PBMC using a cellular markers-based procedure as described hereinabove with reference to enrichment of DC in “LSP-aCCP Experimental Example 1.” The obtained DCP was further activated by incubation of the DCP in a medium containing at least 10% autologous serum, 5-25 IU/ml Heparin with or without 0.5-50 ng/ml IL-12 for 0.5 hours to 14 days, in accordance with the protocols described hereinabove with reference to Examples 6.12 and 8.1. It is possible (although not included in this experimental example) to activate dendritic cells in accordance with protocols described hereinabove with reference to Examples 8.2 and 8.3. The DCP was sorted by immunostaining and FACS analysis based on cell surface antigens in order to determine the activation of the DCP. Activation of the DCs was determined by increased percentages of CD141 positive cells within the population and increased intensity of CD141 in the CD141-expressing cells. Percent of high intensity CD141 increased from 6.2% prior to activation, to 27.2% after activation.

LSP-aCCP Experimental Example 3 Isolation of TDC-Effector Cells from PBMC

In this set of experiments, a population of TDC-effector cells was isolated from the PBMC and enriched with CD8 and CD56-expressing cells, as described hereinabove with reference to the method, “Isolation of Stem and Progenitor cells” (specifically Example 2.5). As above, the peripheral blood samples were collected from human donors for use in individual experiments. The PBMC were isolated as described hereinabove with reference to enrichment of DC in “LSP-aCCP Experimental Example 1.” The desired TDC were then generated from the PBMC and enriched by binding of specific antibodies to desired cell populations expressing CD8 and CD56 (T cells and NK cells respectively), and these cells were subsequently enriched.

Percentages of CD8 expressing cells increased from 23.7% in the PBMC original population to 72.5% in the TDC reflecting an average enrichment factor of 3.3; percentages of CD56 increased from 26.2% in the PBMC original population to 48.9% in the TDC reflecting an average enrichment factor of 2.2.

LSP-aCCP Experimental Example 4 Isolation of TDC-MASPC from PBMC

In the same set of experiments, a population of TDC-MASPC was isolated from the PBMC and enriched by depletion of CD8 and CD56-expressing cells as described hereinabove with reference to the method, “Isolation of Stem and Progenitor cells” (specifically Example 2.6). First, peripheral blood samples were collected from human donors for use in individual experiments. The PBMC were isolated as described hereinabove with reference to enrichment of DC in “LSP-aCCP Experimental Example 1.” The desired TDC-MASPC were then generated from the PBMC and enriched by the binding of specific antibodies to undesired cell populations expressing CD8 and CD56 (T cells and NK cells respectively), and these cells were subsequently removed (specifically, see Example 2.6).

Percentages of cells co-expressing CD34 and low intensity CD45 were used to assess TDC-MASPC enrichment. Percentages of cells co-expressing CD34 and low intensity CD45 increased from 0.8% in the PBMC original population to 1.2% in the TDC-MASPC reflecting on average an enrichment factor of 2.1.

LSP-aCCP Experimental Example 5 Generation and Expansion and Activation of LSP-aCCP

In this set of experiments, the expansion and activation of (lineage specific anti-Cancer cell progenitors) LSP-aCCP was achieved by two sequential culturing steps. In the first step, TDC-Effector cell activation was achieved by co-culturing of activated human-PBMC-derived DCP with the TDC-effector cells. Cells were maintained in a medium containing at least 5% autologous serum, 5-25 IU/ml Heparin, and 0.5-50 ng/ml IL-12 with or without 5-50 ng/ml IL-18 and 1-25 ng/ml IL-27 for 2 hours-14 days (specifically Examples 6.11, 8.5 and 8.6).

The resulting activated co-cultured DCP-TDC-effector cells (DT) are co-cultured with the TDC-MASPC in a second step in order to promote further expansion and activation of the co-cultured DCP-TDC-effector cells (DT). This co-culturing step of the DT with the TDC-MASPC eventually creates the potentially therapeutic LSP-aCCP). The DT-TDC-MASPC cells were further activated by being maintained in a medium containing at least 5% autologous serum, 5-25 IU/ml Heparin with or without 0.5-50 ng/ml IL-12, 5-50 ng/ml IL-18 and 1-25 ng/ml IL-27 for 2 hours-14 days. The DT-TDC-MASPC co-culture was plated on plastic tissue culture plates (specifically Examples 6.11, 8.5 and 8.6). As a result of the co-culture, a potentially therapeutic yield of highly viable LSP-aCCP was generated, with an average of 0.4 million cells per 1 ml blood on day 4 and 0.3 million cells per 1 ml blood on day 5 (i.e., about 150-200 million cells per 450 ml blood bag) which exhibited high viability of >90% (avg 94.4% viability on day 4 and 93.8% on day 7-8).

The resulting LSP-aCCP were further assessed on day 4 and on days 7-8 of culturing by examining the expression of specific cell surface antigens of CD141, CD86, CD3, CD8, CD56, CD4, and co-expression of CD34 and CD184 by flow cytometry. Cells were stained with antibodies against CD34, CD86, CD141, CD3, CD8, CD56, CD4, and CD184 as described hereinabove with reference to FACS staining protocol with antibodies.

Upon applying these antibodies, the LSP-aCCP were found to express CD141 (2.3% on day 4 and 1.9% on days 7-8), CD86 (24.4% on day 4 and 20.5% on days 7-8), CD3 (67.0% on day 4 and 68.8% on days 7-8), CD8 (21.8% on day 4 and 20.7% on days 7-8), and CD56 (16% on day 4 and 14% on days 7-8). The percentage of MASPC co-expressing CD34 and CD184 was 4.8% on day 4 and 6.5% on days 7-8.

Thus, a population of cells was generated containing cells that are available for immediate anti-cancer use (LSP containing activated effect cells) as well as a sub-population of latent cells (LSP containing MASPC) which can replenish the mature activated effector cells by differentiating into the mature activated effector cells at a later stage.

LSP-aCCP Experimental Example 6 CTL Assay

In this set of experiments, an LSP-aCCP was generated from the co-culturing of DT together with a human-PBMC-derived TDC-MASPC. The cells were assessed for their functional cytotoxic activity in a cytotoxic lymphocyte assay (CTL) in accordance with some applications of the present invention in the section “Cytotoxic lymphocyte reaction assay (CTL)” (specifically Example 23). A range of LSP-aCCP or cultured control group of PBMC concentrations was added to a fixed number of target K562 leukemic cell line creating a serial ratios of LSP-aCCP effector cells to target cells.

FIGS. 12A-B are graphs representing a cytotoxic lymphocyte reaction (CTL) function analysis of LSP-aCCP and PBMC control group on days 4 (FIG. 12A) and 7-8 (FIG. 12B), generated in accordance with some applications of the present invention. The graphs of FIGS. 12A-B show a significantly higher cytotoxic activity in the LSP-aCCP group in comparison with PBMC control group on both day 4 and 7-8 as represented by the increased number of dead cells, which is represented by the increased percentage of staining for 7-AAD. Cells with compromised membranes were stained with 7-AAD, while live cells with intact cell membranes remained dark and unstained by 7-AAD. Thus, on average, the LSP-aCCP show a percentage increase in cytotoxic activity in comparison with the PBMC of 150% (p<0.01) on day 4 and of 180% (p<0.005) on day 7-8, i.e., a percentage increase of between 150% and 180%.

Typically, the at least 2% of cells of the LSP-aCCP express one or more of the following markers CD86, CD3, CD8, CD4, and CD56 for a period of at least 8 days following the activation of the effector cells and/or the MASPC in order to generate the LSP-aCCP.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-B, 2A-B, 3A-B, 4A-B, 5, 6A-B, 7, 8, 9A-B, and 10. It is to be noted that these figures show data that are identical to the figures as filed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/224,942 to Porat, entitled, “Method for using antigen-presenting cells and dendritic cells to direct stem/progenitor cell differentiation and activation,” filed Jul. 13, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.

For some applications, techniques described herein are practiced in combination with techniques described in one or more of the references cited in the present patent application.

It is to be appreciated that by way of illustration and not limitation, techniques are described herein with respect to cells derived from an animal source. The scope of the present invention includes performing the techniques described herein using a DCP, MASPC, and TDC derived from non-animal cells (e.g., plant cells), mutatis mutandis.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A composition of matter comprising an isolated population of at least 5 million lineage specific precursor/progenitor (LSP) cells comprising a first, a second and a third subpopulation of cells, wherein the first subpopulation of cells comprises at least 5.9% of the total LSP cell population and expresses CD304, wherein the second subpopulation of cells comprises at least 2.0% of the total LSP cell population and expresses CD34 and CD184, and wherein the third subpopulation of cells comprises the remainder of the LSP cell population, wherein the third subpopulation of cells comprises a CD309 and CD202b expressing population, and wherein the CD309 and CD202b expressing population comprises at least 0.2% of the total LSP cell population, wherein the third subpopulation of cells further comprises a CD31 and VEGFR1 expressing population, and wherein the CD31 and VEGFR1 expressing population comprises at least 2.3% of the total LSP cell population, and wherein the third subpopulation of cells further comprises a population of cells that uptake Ac-LDL and express Ulex lectin, and wherein the population of cells that uptake Ac-LDL and express Ulex lectin comprises between 7% and 41.5% of the total LSP cell population.
 2. The composition of matter according to claim 1: wherein the first subpopulation of cells comprises 6-55% of the total LSP cell population and expresses CD304, wherein the second subpopulation of cells comprises 2.5-70% of the total LSP cell population and expresses CD34 and CD184, wherein the third subpopulation of cells comprises a CD309 and CD202b expressing population that is 2-30% of the total LSP cell population, and wherein the third subpopulation of cells comprises a CD31 and VEGFR1 expressing population that is 2.3-30% of the total LSP cell population.
 3. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein the composition of matter is frozen.
 4. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein the composition of matter is configured to be administered to a patient.
 5. The composition of matter according to claim 4, wherein the composition is configured to increase blood flow in a portion of a body of the patient, and wherein the patient has reduced blood flow.
 6. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein the first subpopulation of cells comprises a CD304 or CD141 expressing population that is between 5.9% and 52.6% of the total LSP cell population.
 7. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein the first subpopulation of cells comprises a CD304 or CD141 expressing population that is between 19.7% and 23.9% of the total LSP cell population.
 8. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein the first subpopulation of cells comprises a CD141 expressing population that is between 0.2% and 11.7% of the total LSP cell population.
 9. The composition of matter according to claim 8, wherein the first subpopulation of cells comprises a CD141 expressing population that is between 2.3% and 5.1% of the total LSP cell population.
 10. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein the second subpopulation of cells comprises a CD34 and CD184 expressing population that is at least 10% of the total LSP cell population.
 11. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein the second subpopulation of cells comprises a CD34 and CD184 expressing population that is between 2.0% and 47.1% of the total LSP cell population.
 12. The composition of matter according to claim 11, wherein the second subpopulation of cells comprises a CD34 and CD184 expressing population that is between 12.7% and 20.9% of the total LSP cell population.
 13. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein the third subpopulation of cells comprises a CD309 and CD202b expressing population that is at least 2.5% of the total LSP cell population.
 14. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein the third subpopulation of cells comprises a CD309 and CD202b expressing population that is between 0.2% and 24.3% of the total LSP cell population.
 15. The composition of matter according to claim 14, wherein the third subpopulation of cells comprises a CD309 and CD202b expressing population that is between 4.4% and 10.4% of the total LSP cell population.
 16. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein the third subpopulation of cells comprises a CD31 and VEGFR1 expressing population that is at least 5% of the total LSP cell population.
 17. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein the third subpopulation of cells comprises a CD31 and VEGFR1 expressing population that is between 2.3% and 25.3% of the total LSP cell population.
 18. The composition of matter according to claim 17, wherein the third subpopulation of cells comprises a CD31 and VEGFR1 expressing population that is between 6.7% and 11.7% of the total LSP cell population.
 19. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein the third subpopulation of cells comprises a population of cells that uptakes Ac-LDL and expresses Ulex lectin that is between 24.9% and 32.1% of the total LSP cell population.
 20. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of cells in the population secrete one or more molecules selected from the group consisting of: G-CSF, SDF-1/CXCR4, IL-8, IL-10, IFN alpha (IFNα), TGF beta (TGFβ), and basic FGF (b-FGF).
 21. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein the first subpopulation that expresses CD304 further expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of: CD303, CD141, and CD86.
 22. The composition of matter according to claim 1, wherein the third subpopulation of cells comprises a population of cells that expresses one or more markers selected from the group consisting of CD31, CD133, CD144, CD202b, von Willebrand factor (vWF), CD102, CD105, CD106, CD109, CD114CDw145, CD201, CD299, and CD309 that is at least 10% of the total LSP cell population. 